Congrats to Willa Maxwell on winning our June 2023 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Willa is an outside back for our Rapids P2/Burgundy 1 North team, where her teammates and coaches know her to be resilient and determined to improve. In addition to team practices, Willa spends much of her time training outside of scheduled practices. Willa regularly attends Coerver camps and has been invited to multiple invitational training sessions, winning accolades like “Most Moves” and “Most Diverse Player”. Alongside soccer, Willa has shown herself to be a talented equestrian, winning ribbons in the equitation and hunter classes at hunter/jumper shows. In the classroom, Willa is a top student, being named “Student of the Month” in her first month of middle school and earning an invitation to the Gifted and Talented program.
This July, Willa will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We spoke with Willa to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!
What influence has soccer had in your life?
Soccer has taught me to work hard and persevere through setbacks.
Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?
Because of my commitment to growth and improvement on and off the pitch
What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?
The development opportunities the club offers.
What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?
Being able to play multiple positions well.
What academic achievement are you most proud of?
Earning Math Student of the Year and being moved into Honors Math.
How do you think your teammates would describe you?
Willa’s coach for North Select 1 says the following of Willa: “Willa has a strong technical ability and good vision. Intelligent player with a high work rate. Seems like a really great kid!”
Her coach Mason says the following: “Willa is a joy to work with because she has demonstrated remarkable growth and a commitment to improving her game. With a hunger for knowledge and an unyielding work ethic, she consistently pushes herself to new heights. Willa is a fantastic example to her teammates, setting an example of resilience and determination. I admire her progress and anticipate a bright future for her.”
What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?
Receiving Student of the Month her first month in middle school. Her teachers nominated her because of her leadership in the classroom and always being the first to help fellow students when they need it.
What’s your favorite soccer player and team?
Emily Fox (USWNT) and Mo Salah (Liverpool)
What do you hope to pursue in the near future?
College soccer and eventually law school.
Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!
Emily Fox because she is one of the best defenders and I want to be able to play like her someday
What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?
Playing lacrosse
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
