For Mikayla, an eighth grader at Sacred Heart School, soccer has become much more than a sport. It is a space where discipline, confidence, and consistent effort come together, shaping both her growth as an athlete and as a person. Growing up in Bellevue with her parents, Seth and Colleen, and her two sisters, Ava and Olivia, Mikayla is part of a close-knit family that spends much of their time together. Whether skiing, traveling in the summer, or visiting their family cabin in Ronald, Washington, time together is a priority. That support extends to Mikayla’s soccer journey as well. With the demands of ECNL soccer requiring frequent travel, her family is there whenever they can be, often turning tournaments into opportunities to explore new places together.

Mikayla plays competitively for Washington Premier 2012 ECNL in Puyallup, where soccer is her primary focus. She trains additionally in track to build speed and endurance, while also enjoying volleyball and basketball recreationally. On the field, she primarily plays left wing, a position she values for its balance of attacking and defensive responsibilities, along with the need for speed, awareness, and endurance. She also contributes as a forward and, occasionally, as a left back when needed.

Her journey began in second grade through CYO at Sacred Heart, where she quickly discovered her love for the game. The combination of competition, physical challenge, and the opportunity to improve drew her in. After earning Player of the Match honors, encouragement from a friend’s parent led her to explore more competitive soccer, marking an important step forward. As she continued to train and compete at higher levels, soccer became a place where she could challenge herself and grow.

What Mikayla enjoys most about being an athlete is the process. The daily work of improving, preparing, and competing alongside her teammates brings a sense of purpose, while game days offer a unique energy that reflects that shared effort. Some of her most meaningful moments reflect that commitment. Reaching the Elite Eight in Virginia with her team stands out as a milestone shaped by months of preparation and teamwork. More recently, she was selected for the ID2 Camp in Chula Vista, California, an opportunity that recognizes her as one of the top players in the country. For Mikayla, it is both an honor and a step forward as she continues to work toward earning a spot on the USYS National Team.

Her journey has not been without challenges. During a final against an older team, a collision with a goalkeeper resulted in a knee injury that required a month away from the game and time in physical therapy. The physical recovery was only part of the process. Mentally, returning to play brought uncertainty and fear of reinjury. Through journaling, watching the game, and working with a sports psychologist, she was able to rebuild her confidence and stay focused. The experience reinforced the importance of mental strength and helped her grow both on and off the field.

Preparation is a key part of her routine. Mikayla studies film to identify areas for improvement, sets personal goals, and focuses on proper fueling, stretching, and warmups before games. Listening to music helps her stay calm and ready to compete. Throughout her journey, her mom has been the most influential person in her development. With her own background in high-level soccer, she understands the demands of the sport and has helped guide Mikayla’s training while reinforcing the importance of discipline, confidence, and goal setting.

Support from her family and friends continues to play an important role. From travel and encouragement to simply helping her stay balanced, they provide the foundation that allows her to pursue her goals. Earning a spot on Washington Premier stands out as a particularly meaningful achievement, marking the result of long-term dedication. As she continues to develop, Mikayla remains focused on growth. Her advice to younger athletes is simple: enjoy the process, stay committed, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn.

Grateful for the support of her family, teammates, coaches, and her trainer, Sebastian, Mikayla is focused on continuing to improve and work toward her goals, one kick at a time.