Even with everything Lauren Wade can do with a soccer ball at her feet, coach says it’s that team-first mindset that makes her stand out.

JACKSONVILLE, Texas — Jacksonville girls soccer senior Lauren Wade scored her 150th career goal on Monday, the most in school history for the boys or girls teams.

And despite the incredible individual accomplishment, she said what really made it special was the people she got to share the moment with.

“The most important thing to me was how excited my teammates were for me. You know, the second it happened, they were just came and gave me some hugs and, like, super crazy on the bench. So that was really, really special to get to it and sit with some great teammates. We have really great team chemistry. And a lot of the times my teammates are able to get me the ball and I’m just able to execute,” said Wade.

It’s clear that the Maidens have a strong team culture, and you could probably assume that looking at their 10 – 1 record. But head coach Roy Alvarez says Wade isn’t just a part of that culture – she spearheads it.

“She never puts her head down. And I think her teammates feed off that energy where it’s like, if our captain hasn’t given up, then we shouldn’t, right? And so I think the teammates look at her and use that as a as motivation to keep fighting no matter what the score is of the game. And they see her example, and they want to replicate that,” said Alvarez.

It’s easy to see why you’d want to replicate scoring 26 goals in 11 games… but again Wade attributes her own success to the positions her teammates put her in to score.

“I think always just playing simple, you know, playing the way you’re facing, making sure you’re always scanning so, you know, what’s around you is really helpful. A lot of the times, I feel like people want to just try and beat like five people, but the way I like to play is I like to do a lot of combinations, find open space and take the shot as quick as possible,”

Even with everything Wade can do with a soccer ball at her feet, coach says it’s that team-first mindset that makes her standout.

“For me, it’s going to be her attitude. She shows up every day. She does not complain. She’s one that she just works. She’s vocal on the field. She’s one who is responsible. She’s just she’s a great person all around. I think that’s the biggest thing that makes her make sure who she is and why she’s so great,” said Alvarez.

So during a time of year typically dominated by basketball – head to the pitch sometime and check out the Jacksonville Maidens. The ladies could use that boost as they make a run at state.

“A lot of times you don’t get the recognition, just because soccer isn’t, you know, as popular as other sports, but it really helps us getting to see all of our friends in the stands. Because a lot of times, since we don’t get the support, when we do, it’s really like, makes us feel really good. It makes us feel seen,” said Wade.