Over the course of Camas Soccer history, a number of talented players have blessed the school, but no attacking talent holds a torch to sophomore Maddie Kemp. Kemp put 30 goals in the back of the net this season, a new Camas record.

Scoring so many goals in such a short time is almost unheard of, but to Kemp it is all in a day’s work, and it’s made the season feel idealistic. “This year has been more than anything I could have asked for. I’m thankful for the opportunity to play the game with the girls I love. Our special bond has given us something that no other team has.” When asked how she maintains success throughout the three-month season, she replied, “My success is a direct result of the team we are. Our team passes and shares the ball so well and is always looking to find a teammate who is in the best position to score.”

When asked how she maintains success throughout the three-month season, she replied, “My success is a direct result of the team we are. Our team passes and shares the ball so well and is always looking to find a teammate who is in the best position to score.”

When watching Camas play, this bond is very clear. After every goal they come together in a massive group hug, all congratulating each other on the roles they played to get that goal. Having ten seniors who have played together for years gives the team incredible chemistry that not only exists on the field, but off the field as well in the form of close friendships. And even though she is surrounded by a starting line up of upperclassmen, this does not seem to phase her, but instead, it pushes her to play even better.

Her teammates will need that high-level play in their game this Friday, November 18. The Camas girls play in the State semifinals in Sparks Stadium in Puyallup against Skyline. This promises to be a tough game, but Kemp is sure of her team. Even after losing their midfielder and captain Hannah Taie to a torn ACL in the quarterfinals, Kemp is confident the team can finish what it started last year. She says the team will play for Taie, who is a huge inspiration on and off the field.

Kemp wanted to close with one last inspirational message: “Walt Disney once said, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it.’ That’s how I look at my soccer journey. I don’t let people define what I can do or how far I can take it. I’m fully confident this team can be State champs!”

Kemp is also The Columbian’s “High School Athlete of the Week,” winning 53% of the over 3,000 votes cast. Find that poll here.