SPRINGFIELD, MO - The Catholic Lady Irish are 3 wins away from 3-peating as state champs. One reason for their success is their chirping goal keeper.
Being a soccer goal keeper is all about embracing the pressure of knowing you're the last line of defense. And Catholic senior Megan Goetzinger thrives on that pressure.
"I like it," said Goetzinger. "When you make a big save it's really exciting for the team and they can build off it."
"She's a really great goalie, said senior Bekah Bade. "I feel safe if they get past me I'm like, 'Megan's got it."
But goal keeper is about more than just making some saves, it's also about directing traffic.
"The goal keeper is the only player on the field that can see everybody," said head coach Ben Timson. "It's extremely important that she's able to direct the defense."
"If one of the defenders isn't seeing something or they're a little out of position, I try to get them in position. I try to help the team as much as I can by talking to them."
And it's the way that Goetzinger talks to her team that's a little unique.
"When I call the ball I guess my voice gets really high pitched and I sound like a bird."
"Keep, Keep, Keep!"
"When we hear that we know we're golden."
"I think when I get excited my voice gets more high pitched."
Whether making saves or chirps, Goetzinger is a big reason the Lady Irish are looking for their 3rd straight state title.
She's an incredible goal keeper. If another team is going to score against us it's going to have to be a good solid goal.
Catholic sr. Megan Goetzinger is this week's Arby's High School Athlete of the Week.
