The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears girls soccer team will honor their senior players at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park pitch prior to their 5:30 p.m. game against visiting Wasilla. The JDHS boys soccer team will honor their seniors at 7 p.m. Saturday before their 7:30 p.m. game at ADMP against Wasilla.
Both teams also play Wasilla on Friday, with the boys at 5:15 p.m. and girls at 7 p.m.
Following are senior interviews with the Crimson Bears girls:
PRISCILLA LAM – #4, defensive midfield.
What makes soccer special?: The friendships and memories I’ve made along the way have made soccer so special. The first time I’ve played was when my brothers signed me up for the Holiday Cup Tournament and I started enjoying playing ever since then. My earliest memory would have to be crying my eyes out because I didn’t want to play at first.
Favorites: food – steak and vodka pasta; song/music – “West Coast Weekend,” Blxst; book – “It Ends With Us”; movie – “The Maid”; player/team – Seattle Sounders; class – outdoor biology; hobbies/pastimes – fishing and detailing cars.
About Juneau: What I love most about growing up in Juneau would have to be surrounded by nature every day.
After high school: I’ll be attending Edmonds College, major undecided.
Thank yous: I’d like to thank my family, coaches and friends I’ve made along the way.
Coaches comments: This is Priscilla’s third year with JD, playing midfield for both JV and varsity. Somewhat quiet and reserved, she lets her game do most of the talking, showing tenacity and spirit. Despite battling an ankle injury her junior year, she led the JV in assists with four, and for varsity this season, scored the second goal, in a 2-1 win versus West Valley. She was even a goalkeeper coach, helping Peyton warm up in goal vs Palmer. We wish Priscilla all the best as she moves to the state of Washington to attend Edmonds College.
LOLA HINES – #12, defense.
What makes soccer special?: I first played soccer when I was about five years old. My earliest memory is wiggling one of my loose teeth and not paying attention to the ball.
Favorites: food – pad Thai from Chans Thai Kitchen; school class – ceramics.
About Juneau: What I like about growing up in Juneau was the endless amount of outdoor activities, skiing, going for walks, being out on the ocean.
After high school: I will be attending the University of Montana to study psychology because I would like to have the opportunity to go skiing and learn how to fly fish and have a similar environment to Juneau.
Thank yous: I want to thank Matt, Phil, Martin, Lindsey, Wells and Cindy for being very supportive and pushing the team to try our best.
Coaches comments: This is Lola’s fourth year, having been another defensive anchor for the JD backline for all four years. We will miss her defensive persistence, making her teammates laugh, and her, “Wait…what?!” response to Matt putting her in a position she’s not familiar with. We wish Lola all the best at the University of Montana, studying psychology, and looking forward to future road trip vlogs with Cerys.
LENA FIELD – #20, right back.
What makes soccer special?: Both of my older sisters played so I grew up being around it. Every weekend the TV always has a soccer game on. I started playing soccer when I was in elementary school then took a break for a while, then started up in high school again. My earliest memory is playing in the rain on the dirt fields digging holes with my feet while I’m supposed to be playing.
Favorites: food – sushi; song/music – “Thank You for the Music” by ABBA; movie – “Crazy Rich Asians”; school class – art; hobbies/Pastimes – I like to paint or draw.
About Juneau: I like when we get sunny days and it’s not raining. And I love all the outdoor opportunities we get.
After high school: I plan to attend Sassoon Academy in London to get my degree in hair styling. Sassoon is one of the best places I can go to pursue this field.
Advice to young players/students: Have so much fun, it will go by in the blink of an eye.
Coaches comments: This is Lena’s third year with the program, having been one of the defensive anchors for the JV backline. Missing her junior year due to injury, Lena stepped in as a JV assistant as a way to help cheer and coach her teammates on. Being able to come back from injury and play her senior year, it was great to have her voice, toughness, and energy on the pitch again. We wish Lena all the best in London, attending Sassoon Academy, aiming to get her license in hairstyling.
ELLA ORSBORN – #9, defender.
What makes soccer special?: The people I get to grow up and play with make it so special. I started when I was young and I have bad memory, so the earliest I can remember was last year in Ketchikan I scored either a winning or tying goal off a corner.
Favorites: food – tacos; player/team – my team; school class – English; hobbies/pastimes – I like to snowboard, fly fish and hike.
About Juneau: I love all the nature and going on hikes. Plus not having so many confusing roads.
After high school: My plans after high school is to attend Shasta College and study ultrasound, plus continue playing soccer for them. I’ve always wanted to play soccer in college and want to leave town for a little bit.
Advice to young players/students: High school flies by, enjoy it, make mistakes and learn. Life isn’t going to be perfect and that’s okay.
Coaches comments: Ella has been a standout on both the soccer field and the basketball court over the past four years, consistently showcasing her incredible athletic ability. She’s not only a talented competitor but also a supportive teammate and a kind presence to everyone she meets. No matter the position, Ella has stepped up and made a difference. We’ll miss her deeply, but we’re excited to cheer her on as she continues her soccer journey with the Knights at Shasta College in California.
ALYSSA LAWHORNE – #15, defense and wing.
What made soccer special?: This sport is so special because I get to learn and be challenged alongside the best teammates and friends. I first played my freshmen year, I remember showing up to practice after a friend convinced me to. I was really nervous, but by the end of it, I felt really rewarded and liked being there.
Favorites: food – Caesar salad and french fries; song/music – “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” by Leo Sayer; book – “To Kill a Mockingbird;” movie – “Avatar I”; school class – human anatomy; player/team – Cristiano Ronaldo; hobbies/pastimes – I love doing ceramic pottery on a wheel.
About Juneau: I love Juneau because of all of its nature. I didn’t realize it for such a long time, but getting to grow up with the forest as my backyard, a glacier, berries everywhere, and everything else this place has to offer, I am really lucky to have had that kind of childhood.
After high school: I will be attending California State University to study nursing. I have always wanted to help people in their times of need, and have a strong liking to chemistry and human anatomy. Nursing seems like the perfect path for me, and I have been inspired by my mom who began her journey as a nurse at 20.
Advice to young players/students: My advice to younger players and students would be to always be working towards a goal. Think about the best version of yourself, not just in your studies and extracurriculars, but how you interact with and treat others. Always work towards that version of yourself, and know that setbacks and failures are also a part of that journey, and it is how you learn to try again.
Thank yous: I would like to thank coaches Matt, Lindsey, and Phil for making the transition of schools and teams such a great experience for me this year. And a special thank you to coaches Cindy, Ms. Wells and Martin, who were my first-ever soccer coaches and a huge reason as to why I enjoyed the sport so much.
Coaches comments: As we move through practice, games and fundraising events we have had Alyssa there with a helping hand, huge smile and someone that can pick up and run with it. We missed her junior year as she recovered but enjoyed watching her give her all as she stuck with us. Alyssa is going to take her incredible personality and energy to UC San Bernardino to study nursing. We wish her the very best and know her smile will win the hearts of all whom she meets.
NATALIE TRAVIS – #10, center back.
What makes soccer special?: What makes soccer so special is that you grow up with all these people and they become some of your best friends which makes leaving the sport so much harder. I first started playing soccer when I was eight, one of the earliest memories was playing parks and rec with all of the other seniors, from both the boys and girls team.
Favorites: food – croissants; song – “Forever Young” by Alphaville; movie – “The Gray Man”; team – our team; school class – Alaska history; hobbies/pastimes – When I’m not playing soccer I love to do photography and hang out with my friends and work.
About Juneau: My favorite thing about living and growing up here is how tight the community is and I like how everyone basically knows each other, the city is also very welcoming.
After high school: After high school I plan to study business somewhere in hope of one day owning my own business.
Advice: My advice to younger players is to stick up for yourself even if it’s hard, and don’t let others make decisions for you.
Thank yous: I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, teachers, and coworkers for helping me become who I am today.
Coaches comments: This is Natalie’s fourth year with the program, having been the anchor for the backline for four years. We will miss her ability to take goal kicks and set pieces, her defensive tenacity and the look of bewilderment she gives Matt when he’s making coaching points to her. We wish Natalie all the best in her future endeavors.
DORI GERMAIN – #15 Varsity and #18 JV.
What makes soccer special?: I love being outside and being in a team! I first played my freshmen year.
Favorites: food – I love waffles with lots of butter and syrup; music – most country, favorite song “Build a Boat,” by Colton Dixon; book – “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck; movie – The Princess Bride”; class – current is house build, ever would be any and every math class; hobbies/pastimes – hiking, drumming, crafting.
About Juneau: I love how outdoor-oriented Juneau is even though the weather always sucks there is just so much to do outside and I love it all!
After high school: Next year I am attending Whitworth University to major in theology and minor in music. I am so excited to start this next chapter and such a wonderful school with so much to offer.
Advice to young players/students: It is supposed to be fun.
Thank yous: Thank you to Wells!
Coaches comments: She did it all! She participated in over 10 activities and athletics during high school and was a leader at her church. It’s always fun to watch her on the drum kit with the pep band (too bad they don’t for soccer games). She’s a strong defender and supportive teammate all four years. We wish her the best of luck as she studies theology this fall at Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington.
MILINA MAZON – #11, forward/midfielder.
What makes soccer special?: The friendships you will keep for life. I started playing at four years old with JSC and parks and rec.
Favorites: music/song – “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar; book – “Tangerine”; movie – “Top Gun Maverick”; player – Neymar; school class – PE; hobbies/pastimes – tennis.
About Juneau: Juneau is very unique besides all the rain it’s a beautiful place to live.
After high school: After high school I plan on going to Edmonds College in Washington to continue playing soccer and study sociology.
Thank yous: Thank you so much to my family coaches and friends.
Coaches comments: This is Milina’s third year with JD, playing midfield and forward for varsity. We will miss Milina’s hustle, energy and bravado. Her ability to hit the griddy, being biggies with her teammates, as well as her ability to slay, flex and be fire, all at the same time! We wish Milina all the best as she leaves to play soccer and attend Edmonds College.
CERYS HUDSON – #6, wingback.
What makes soccer special?: The fact that it is not only a contact sport which I like, but a sport that takes full focus and constant thinking about the next step that could result in a goal. I started playing in second grade through Juneau Soccer Club. I remember hating playing with the boys because they never passed but I loved the girls I played with.
Favorites: food – sushi; music/song – “Nellie” by Dr. Dog; book – “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir; movie – “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”; team – Arsenal FC; school class – U.S. history; hobbies/pastimes – playing cello and bass guitar, skiing.
About Juneau: Having the ocean on my doorstep and of course Eaglecrest.
After high school: I am going to Northwestern University to study computer science and minor in music. I chose computer science because I have done coding since I was young in Lego Robotics and have loved it since. I can’t wait to live in Chicago and experience big city life with lots of concerts!
Advice to young players/students: Don’t worry how others think of you, no one cares! Everyone has their own stuff going on so be yourself.
Thank yous: I thank my mom and all my coaches!
Coaches comments: This is Cerys’ fourth year with the program, primarily playing the wingback and mid positions for four years. We will miss her power of positivity, her chill approach to life and the energy she brings to the pitch. We wish her all the best in the world of computer science and music performance at Northwestern.
MARY CANAPARY – #20, Holding Center Midfielder
Why is soccer special: Soccer is special to me because of the people. I’ve met some of the greatest people I know through soccer. My teammates and my coaches make the late-night practices, the hard work and the long trips worth it. They make me push myself even when I may want to give up and that’s why I play. I first played when I was five. Back then I would just sit on the field digging in the dirt, do cartwheels across the goal line, and look forward to my postgame juice box.
Favorites: food – sushi; song – “Run this Town” by Jay-Z featuring Rihanna; book- “I Will Always Write Back” by Caitlin Alifirenka; movie – “Instant Family” and “Top Gun Maverick”; player/team- Alex Morgan; school class – government; hobbies/pastimes – In my free time I like to bake and cook. I like to hang out with my friends and I also like to read.
About Juneau: I like the small-town feel of Juneau and I love the community I’m surrounded with. If you go anywhere, you’ll run into someone you know and I like this. As most Alaskans I love the nature we are surrounded with that provides us with skiing, hiking and swimming.
After high school: After high school I will be attending Boston College for the next four years to study biology. I hope to eventually return to Juneau and go from there.
Advice to young players/students: My advice to younger players would be to work hard and cherish the time that you have because you don’t have forever and this time is valuable. I also advise them to take school seriously because while it may not feel fun or important it will open up opportunities and pathways you had never even thought of.
Thank yous: I’d like to thank my parents for the endless support over the last 18 years and I’d like to thank my coaches for continuing to feed my love for soccer. I’d like to thank my teammates and friends for being by my side through all moments and my teachers for supporting my education.
Coaches comments: This is Mary’s fourth year with the program, having played the holding mid position for four years. A head-shaking player from a perspective, because one minute, Mary will provide some insightful feedback on the game, but then the next minute, will talk about the most random and sus things … like popsicles … All that said, we will seriously miss her persistence and her underrated ability to play the ball to space and teammates. We wish Mary all the best at Boston College majoring in Biology.
ALISON TINGEY – #19, right wing/wingback
Why is soccer special?: How simple and universal it is. Anyone can play soccer anywhere in the world, and people can join no matter their background. I first started with summer soccer camps throughout elementary and middle school.
Favorites: food – Italian; music/song – anything by Benson Boone; book – anything by Brandon Sanderson; school class – jazz band; hobbies/pastimes – running, playing piano, singing and reading.
About Juneau: The closeness of the community and the beautiful nature.
After high school: Going to Brigham Young University to study elementary education with a minor in music. My decision to go to BYU is based on my religion. BYU is run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There I will be surrounded by young adults and mentors with similar beliefs and standards.
Advice to young players/students: Do things for the enjoyment of it and not just for people’s sake.
Thank yous: Thank you to my family, all of the coaches, but especially Martin, Cindy and Wells, for support all four years.
Coaches comments: Alison is a natural leader and teacher — both on and off the field. As a midfielder, her instincts and field vision set her apart, and she has always lifted the players around her. Over the past four years, she’s grown tremendously, serving as JV captain at TM. Alison’s impact goes far beyond soccer. She’s compassionate, grounded and deeply committed to serving others through her church and community. This fall, she’ll take that same heart and drive with her to BYU Provo, where she’ll begin pursuing a degree in elementary education. We can’t wait to see the difference she’ll make in the lives of her future students.
ADELYN BUSS – #3, defensive midfield.
What makes soccer special?: The people make it special, both the coaches and the players. I started two years after my brother started, when we were young. I switched sports and went back when I was in high school. My earliest memory is doing flips on the field during 3-v-3 when I was six or seven.
Favorites: food – steak, mashed potatoes and gravy; school class – I like math the best.
About Juneau: The special thing about Juneau is how close the mountains are. You can find scenery in other places, but you can’t find it as close as you can here. It’s an extremely unique place that I know I will always find my way back to.
After high school: I plan to attend CU Boulder to study electrical engineering. I chose CU Boulder due to the environment surrounding it. I don’t think I could leave nature and mountains, so I chose a place that has them. It also has an amazing engineering program that I am excited to learn from.
Advice to young players/students: My advice is not to get upset at the little things from your teammates. They are your teammates, and you can leave them once you’re done with soccer, but while you’re still playing, spend as much time with them as you can.
Coaches comments: This is Addie’s fourth year with the program, playing with JV early on, and then playing midfield for varsity the last several years. Battling injuries her fourth year, it hasn’t stopped Addie’s fearlessness and persistence in pressuring and pushing off opposing players, looking to win every ball. We wish Addie all the best as she pursues engineering at CU Boulder.
PARKER BOMAN – #13, left wing.
What makes soccer special?: Getting to put yourself to the test in a fun and challenging activity while making friends and memories. I’ve been playing since I was about five.
Favorites: food – pasta; song/music – “God Be” by Chris Renzema; book – “Son of Neptune”; movie – “The Parent Trap”; school class – stats; pastimes/hobbies – reading, sewing, crocheting.
About Juneau: The environment, it’s gorgeous.
After high school: I plan to go to UAS because I love Juneau. I plan to go into elementary education to help children build a good, confident foundation.
Advice to young players/students: Find a good community and push yourself to be a part of it. It’s not good to be alone.
Thank yous: I’d like to thank my parents for the great fun childhood they provided me with. I’d like to thank my grandparents for teaching me all they did. I’d like to thank my teachers and coaches for giving me the fire I have to learn, discover and grow. And lastly, I’d like to thank all my youth leaders and church community for helping me in numerous ways. I would not be here without them.
Coaches comments: This is Parker’s third year with the program, starting as a striker for JV, and playing midfield for varsity. Initially being listed as a defender on the roster her first year with the program as a sophomore, she proved folks wrong by showing offensive prowess, scoring two hat tricks for JV against Ketchikan in back-to-back games, scoring a pair against TM, earning her first hard hat, and turning back the clock this season, scoring the lone goal for JV against Palmer. We wish Parker all the best, as she pursues elementary education at UAS.
DANIELA LAMAS – #28, center back.
What makes soccer special?: All the friends I’ve made and people I’ve met freshman year. My favorite memory is first practice freshman year.
Favorites: food – tacos; music/song – “Why Kiki” by Iam Tongi and “Don’t Let Go” by Spawnbreezie; book – “Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo; movie – “Spider-Man No Way Home”; player/team – Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa/ Mexico; school class – outdoor biology; hobbies/pastime – tennis.
About Juneau: Juneau is very peaceful and beautiful. There’s also lots of amazing people here. I feel like it’s also not too big or too small.
After high school: I plan to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks to study biology.
Advice to young players/students: It’s okay to make mistakes, make sure to take care of yourself. It’s OK to not be OK, but don’t ever let that stop you from being OK.
Thank yous: Thank you to my family, my friends and my coaches.
Coaches comments: This is Daniella’s fourth year with JD, having been the centerpiece of the JV backline for all four years. Quiet her freshman year, she has found her voice over the years, helping guide the JVs from the backline. She has also found her kick over the years, scoring the lone goal against Ketchikan, at Adair, her junior year – amazing set piece, arguably 25 yards out. Playing with sheer heart and a strong mentality, she has been battling injuries her senior year, in order to hold things down defensively for the JVs. We wish Dani all the best as she moves on to UAF to study biology.
• Contact Klas Stolpe at klas.stolpe@juneauempire.com.
