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Senior Mickayla Kowalski never lets a ball pass her goal during her time playing for the varsity Rams girls’ soccer team.

The young soccer star has high aspirations for her future and is officially committed to play soccer at Northern Kentucky University next fall. Before she leaves Badin for the Norse, we decided to talk to Kowalski bout the impact that Badin soccer has had on her life, and how it will help her in her future.

Soccer has been a part of Kowalski's life for over a decade. She began playing when she was only three years old, and has been playing ever since.

“I was inspired to play soccer because I have two older sisters, that both played soccer, and my dad coached,” Kowalski said. “My parents signed me up when I was little and I loved it, so it stuck,” Kowalski said.

Kowalski attended school at Harrison Junior High School before becoming a Ram. Once at Badin, she didn’t hesitate to join the soccer team.

Mick plays the position of goalkeeper, a player who is tasked with preventing the ball from entering the goal. The senior loves playing this role on the team, and couldn’t imagine playing any other position.

Playing soccer for over 15 years, Kowalski’s ambition has remained strong. She plans to keep this motivation as she finishes her last season of Badin soccer.

“Proving myself is what motivates me,” Kowalski said, “I always want to exceed expectations and show people what I can do.”

Exceeding expectations isn’t the only thing pushing the young athlete. Kowlaski is also motivated by the bond she has with her teammates. When asked about the importance of her teammates, the young athlete said, “All the girls have become my best friends, which is what makes this sport so special to me.”

Kowalski also gave insight to a meaningful pre-game ritual, saying, “Before every game, the whole team will wrap tape around our wrists and write down sayings and people’s names to remind us who or what we are playing for.”

As Kowalski leaves Badin to play Division I soccer at NKU, she is excited to continue with the sport she loves.

“Playing soccer for Badin has been such a blessing,” said Kowalski, “I will always remember my experience.”