Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Mikayla Lambert

Oswego IL

08 April, 2022

11:55 AM

Description

Soccer is in senior Mikayla Lambert's bloodline. Her two older sisters played collegiately, and her father is an assistant coach for the girl's soccer team at Waubonsie Valley High School. Growing up in and around the game has taught Mikayla resiliency, responsible, and hard work. In turn, Mikayla has provided the Wolves with a four-year varsity player, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week. Soccer has been a part of Mikayla's life ever since she could remember. "My dad put my three sisters and me in soccer when we were little, and I always loved being outside and being in athletics," says Mikayla. Peter Lambert, Mikayla's father, was a collegiate soccer player and passed on his knowledge and passion for the game to his three daughters. Mikayla's older sisters, Miranda and Maddy, earned a college scholarship to Kent State and Scad University, respectively. "When I saw my sisters getting recruited for college, I started taking the game more seriously," says Mikayla. Having two older sisters as role models helped Mikayla refine her skills. "Being the youngest of 2 collegiate soccer players, Mikayla was exposed to competitive soccer at a very young age," says Janet and Peter, Mikayla's parents. They go on to say, "Mikayla witnessed their hard work and determination to compete at the collegiate level. She also tagged along to her father's club and high school practices and games and quickly developed a love for the sport." Entering Oswego East as a freshman, Mikayla was able to make varsity a freshman and was nominated as a captain this season. Head coach Juan Leal has seen Mikayla's maturation all four years and understands how important she means to the team as a senior. "Over the past four years Mikayla's soccer IQ has grown due to the amount that she plays," says Juan. He adds, "When she is out on the field it is like having another coach out there. She is also very inquisitive as she continues to be a student of the game." While making varsity as a freshman is a big responsibility, Mikayla was able to learn from her teammates and build her skill set while contributing. "Coming into OE varsity soccer as a freshman, the older players mentored Mikayla and built her confidence, as she was the youngest player on the team," says Janet and Peter. They go on to say, "each year since Mikayla has tried to do the same for the younger players on the team." Being able to contribute as a vocal leader is important to the team, but Mikayla also leads by example. "Mikayla holds herself to very high standards and always gives it her all," says Juan. He goes on to say, "She is very personable and extremely approachable, which makes the girls feel comfortable when they have questions or anything of the sort." Playing midfield, Mikayla contributes on both the offensive and defensive sides and has already scored four goals with one assist. "Mikayla has great vision and distributes the ball very well," says Juan. He adds, "She puts herself in a good position defensively to block passing lanes, and has a laser beam of a shot and great accuracy." As a captain, Mikayla has made it her goal to, "lead the team and be a positive voice." Mikayla's positive attitude shines in the classroom as well. Mikayla plans to major in Physical Education and become a teacher and soccer coach. Pat Molinari, Mikayla's Physical Education Excel teacher, understands what makes her so special on the field, and believes she will have a bright future in education. "Mikayla is one of the hardest working young ladies I have had the pleasure of working with," says Mo. He goes on to say, "Not many people are willing to run the pool bleachers at 6 A.M. and Mikayla does it religiously with me. What will make her a great teacher and coach is her work ethic and ability to build relationships. She is smart, outgoing, and understands responsibility. Mikayla will be the third Lambert daughter to earn a college scholarship and play soccer collegiately when she attends Flagler College in St. Augustine this fall. However, her focus is on helping lead her team to a conference championship and making a long run in the IHSA state playoffs. For younger Wolves, Mikayla advises them by saying, "be yourself. You will meet a lot of friend groups and you want to stay true to who you are." We wish Mikayla and her teammates the very best and they look to achieve a conference championship this season.