Sapulpa’s Kailey Asher

Sapulpa junior Kailey Asher has learned that soccer is about far more than goals and wins. As a midfielder and left back for the Chieftains, she said the sport has shaped who she is on and off the field.

“I play soccer. I play in the midfield or at left back,” Asher said. “My sport has taught me how to delegate and communicate effectively.” She added that being part of a team has pushed her to grow. “Soccer has taught me how to be a part of a team and, most importantly, how to use teamwork, which has helped me become a better person overall.”

Asher said one of her proudest memories came early in her high school career. She helped Sapulpa reach the state playoffs as a freshman while earning a spot as a varsity starter. Those experiences, she said, set the tone for the rest of her time in the program.

In the classroom, Asher points to math teacher and head girls’ soccer coach Mrs. Arundell as a key influence. “She truly cares about the well-being of her students,” Asher said. “She has taught me a lot about hard work, empathy and teamwork.”

Asher said her biggest inspiration is her mom, whose “hard work and dedication” model the type of person she hopes to be. “I couldn’t have made it this far in life without her and I will forever be thankful and grateful to have the best mom in the world,” Asher said.

On the field, teammate Lillie Wilson has made a lasting impression. Asher described Wilson as the kind of teammate who can make everyone laugh even on the hardest days and is always there to listen.

Asher added that she looks up to professional star Trinity Rodman for her resilience in coming back from injuries and her relentless work ethic. And no matter who the opponent is, Asher said her favorite part of representing Sapulpa is simple: winning games with her teammates while the crowd roars in the stands.