“As soon as I step on the field, it is like nothing else matters. My only focus is to be the best player I can possibly be, not for just myself but for my team, coaches, and the school,” said senior center midfielder Captain Catherine Daniels.
Soccer has been a part of Daniels’ life since she was three years old. For as long as she can remember, she was playing. “I pretty much grew up with soccer, and there was never a weekend where I was not playing in tournaments or games,” Daniels said.
Daniels has been a member of the Kingswood Oxford girls soccer team since her freshman year, being only one of three to make the team. She has played center midfield for the Wyverns since her freshman year. “It is a big honor to be able to represent KO on the field and work hard every day to get better for not only myself but my teammates around me,” she said.
Daniels was selected captain for the team this fall and has taken the role very seriously as she knows now more than ever the younger girls need someone to look to in this ever-changing time. “I’m thankful I’m able to lead such a special team along with two of my good friends and really be a support system and a role model for the girls on the team,” Daniels said.
In the spring season, Daniels plays for the Kingswood Oxford lacrosse team. She also plays soccer year-round outside of school, always looking to improve her game and become a better player. “One impact soccer has had on me is the time management skills,” she said. “Because I play year round, I have learned to effectively balance my time between schoolwork and soccer so that I can give my all to both.”
Since she was a kid, Daniels had always dreamed about playing soccer at the collegiate level. She knew what she wanted to do from the start and has worked tirelessly to get there. However, like most people, Covid-19 has impacted her soccer experience: her games and practices were put on hold, and Daniels was unable to connect with coaches and other college players for a number of months. “It had been very challenging for me because all of my ID camps were cancelled due to COVID, making it difficult to meet coaches and have them see me play,” said Daniels.
Daniels, however, was one of the lucky ones who was able to connect with a coach before the coronavirus pandemic became too serious. “Thankfully, before corona the Conn College coach was able to see me play and talk to me, and I have been in contact with them ever since,” Daniels said. Daniels recently announced she is going to attend Connecticut College next fall to pursue athletics and academics.
Catherine continues to be a valuable asset to the Kingswood Oxford girls soccer team and has led the team to their first win since the start of the pandemic. With the season winding down, Daniels intends to continue to train over the winter, spring, and summer to prepare herself for the higher level of play she will see at the DIII level next fall.
