By Matt Browning
For Wichita Southeast senior Mia Powell, this soccer season is less about individual accolades and more about finishing her high school career with purpose, leadership, and enjoyment.
“My primary focus for this season is to enjoy my senior year,” Powell said. “I don’t plan on playing college soccer solely based on my plans to become a doctor so I want to make the most out of it while I am still playing the sport I grew up playing.”
While many athletes set statistical goals for their final season, Powell said her priorities look different.
Last season, she finished with 11 goals and earned all-league second team.
“Some things I want to accomplish this season are honestly not much,” she said, “but I do want to achieve at least making All City 2nd Team again and possibly setting up my teammates for next year.”
Powell emphasized that her impact goes beyond goals and awards, focusing instead on building up a developing program.
“Records aren’t important to me,” she said. “What matters most is the program lasting long after I graduate this year.”
A lifelong soccer player with club experience at a high level, Powell has taken on a leadership role for a Southeast program that includes several players new to the sport.
“Some of my strengths for soccer are my on ball control, using both feet, and my ability to see the field since I played almost every position and have been playing soccer most of my life,” she said.
That experience, she added, comes with responsibility.
“I utilize my skill and experience for my team during high school by helping explain different positions, movements to make, and most importantly how to enjoy the game,” Powell said. “I feel this somewhat puts the responsibility to perform, being a leader and sometimes a coach to these girls.”
Powell said her approach is shaped in part by the contrast between her club and high school experiences.
“I come from a club team who has won a national championship to a high school where we are lucky if we get a winning season,” she said. “While we may not get the same results as my club team I do enjoy and love the culture and teaching these girls soccer.”
