Wichita North’s Max Bielefeld enters the season looking to build on a strong junior campaign in which he recorded two goals and two assists while earning second-team City League honors. He also scored one of the biggest goals of his career, a 40-yard strike that gave North an overtime victory in a home playoff game.
Now, with his final high school season ahead, Bielefeld has his sights set on helping North make a deep postseason run.
“I’m most excited for one last opportunity to win a trophy with North,” Bielefeld said. “Our school is in a drought with our sports winning state and league titles with soccer, and I’m excited to get one last try to break that drought.”
Bielefeld has spent the offseason preparing for that challenge through individual training and team conditioning sessions. His goal has been to sharpen his skills and become a more complete player heading into his senior season.
“One area I want to improve is advancing the ball into the box even while being a defender,” Bielefeld said.
That attacking mindset could give Bielefeld another way to impact games from the back line. His ability to contribute offensively was evident last season, particularly on his long-range playoff goal.
Bielefeld also has individual goals he hopes to accomplish during his final season. He wants to earn first-team Greater Wichita Athletic League recognition and a spot on the Kansas all-state honorable mention team.
His biggest goals, however, are centered on the team.
“My biggest team goal is to win the regional final and finish with a top five seed in the playoffs,” Bielefeld said.
Bielefeld earned second-team GWAL honors following last season, when North advanced to the regional championship.
With one season remaining in his North career, Bielefeld is determined to make the most of it. After spending the offseason preparing both individually and with his teammates, he hopes that work will help the RedHawks take the next step — and potentially end the program’s championship drought.
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