By Hayden Swope

McPherson’s Baylee Simmelink has been very familiar with success over the past two years. As just a sophomore last year, Simmelink was a second team all-league forward for Bullpups. 

Preparing for her junior season, Simmelink is ready to get back onto the field again.  

“In preparation for the season, I have spent the summer, fall, and winter working out and competing with my club team, attending team conditioning, and working with my club coaches on bettering my skills,” Simmelink said. “Working out on the new turf field at the McPherson High School Stadium individually and alongside my teammates has been wonderful and gives us a terrific place to prepare.”

Simmelink has both personal and team goals, and has high hopes for the season ahead. 

“A goal that I am focusing on this season is for our team to make it all the way to the state tournament and bring a championship to McPherson High and hang a banner in the Roundhouse,” Simmelink said. “It would be a great accomplishment for our team to be the first girl’s soccer team at MHS to do so. Lastly, as personal goals, I want to continue to get stronger, more confident on the ball, and serve as a role model for the little girls that I help coach and are often seen in the stands cheering in the crowd.”

As just a junior, Simmelink is already committed to play soccer in college.

“My future plans are to finish my high school career and then continue on to attend college and play soccer at Northwest Missouri State University where I have verbally committed,” Simmelink said. “There, I will be academically majoring in Applied Health Sciences to one day become a Physical Therapist or Athletic Trainer.”