The Camas High School girls varsity soccer team won the Washington 4A State Championship on November 20th 2021.  They managed to defeat Issaquah four-to-two in penalty kicks after finishing regular time and extra time scoreless. The team caps off a perfect season by completing the ultimate goal of winning a championship.  “We have worked so hard for this moment to happen, practicing since the end of July just for this moment and it was all worth it,” senior Maya Parman said.  

Penalty kicks are the most nerve wracking way to end a soccer game. All the hard work and efforts of the whole season come down to just a few kicks for each team. For the goalkeeper, the goal is to save just one to give your team a chance. For the attacking players, the goal is to make all of your shots and trust that your keeper will be able to make one save.  

During the penalty shootout, both Camas and Issaquah started off with two makes each.  Camas then made their third shot to put Camas ahead three-to-two, while Issaquah’s shot was saved by Camas goalkeeper Keely Wieczorek putting Camas in prime position to win the game. Unfortunately, Camas’s next shot sailed over the crossbar keeping Issaquah in the game. Wieczorek then came up with a second big save to keep Camas ahead. Junior Nora Melcher then walked up to the PK spot to take the game winning kick. “I couldn’t be prouder of Keely. She created the opening for the win. When Nora was walking out, I had full confidence in her, but of course I was still so nervous, you never know what will happen,” Parman said.  

The game finally ended when junior Nora Melcher scored the game winning penalty kick into the bottom corner of the goal net. Parman said, “it was the best feeling ever when [the ball] hit the back of the net.  I was so proud of her and the rest of the girls, staying calm under all of this pressure.” 

The team went undefeated this season adding to their unbeaten streak which is currently at 34 games. “Team chemistry really made this team so special. Everyday we showed up and worked hard and had fun. We all became very close and built great friendships that carried over onto the field and I think it really showed. Playing with friends and teammates that you trust and know have your back helped out so much during the season,” Parman said. Camas showed great poise and confidence throughout the season, and were able to end it off with the best possible outcome by winning the state championship.

“Everyday we worked hard but had fun and winning the State Championship just showed me how much hard work pays off in the end,” Parman said.