This soccer standout hits the pitch every day, and her hard work continues to pay off
ZANESVILLE — The pitch is a second home for Sydnee Maxwell.
Soccer has been an integral part of the Rosecrans junior's life since she was 4 years old.
Her talent and skill have led Maxwell to being a two-time All-Ohioan, including this past fall when she scored 35 goals and assisted on eight others.
She recently collected another top accolade, being named All-Central Region for a second straight year by the United Soccer Coaches. Players are nominated by a coach, who is a member of the organization.
More: All-Ohio honors handed out to area soccer, volleyball players
The selections included players from Ohio, Indiana and Minnesota.
"This is huge because I've been playing soccer as long as I can remember," Maxwell said. "Every single day, high school or club, I'm on the field. I have good people around me, and I appreciate them helping me get this recognition. It's inspiring to show others hard work can pay off.
Maxwell's honor starts with family
The passion for soccer began when Maxwell watched her older sister, Avery, play youth soccer for ROSA (Riverside Outdoor Soccer Association) in Zanesville.
She recalled watching Avery score then tell her parents about those moments. Maxwell wanted to have those, too, so it was one of the many motivating factors in her youth.
She also tries to be an example for her younger sister, Ryleigh. All three were key contributors for a Rosecrans squad this past season.
"We're super competitive," Maxwell said. "I remember Avery talking about scoring goals to my parents, and I wanted to do that. We played together, and she always pushed me. I hope Ryleigh looks up to me. I try to help her when I can, and we also push each other."
Her father, Danny, is also a vital to her success. He has coached the Bishops the past few seasons, as they remain one of the top programs in the district.
"His work and commitment to help my game are amazing. He has done so much to help me and my sisters," she said. "I'm thankful for not only him, but all my coaches and teammates. I wouldn't be in this spot without them."
Preparing for the future
Work continues for Maxwell, who is in the midst of her club season, which runs into the summer. She plays in the competitive Elite Club National League with aspirations of continuing her soccer career in college.
"That's my ultimate goal, playing at the next level," Maxwell said. "I've played in a lot of showcases, and it has led to good exposure. Many of my club teammates have become friends, and we're a competitive group. It's also fun to be a part of it, and the competition has made me better."
Maxwell also hopes her final run as a Bishop can be memorable. Rosecrans has lost to rival Hiland twice in the tournament during Maxwell's career. With most of the team returning, Maxwell and the Bishops have aspirations to avenge those losses.
"Since Rosecrans is a small school, our team is like a sisterhood. We've grown up together, and we're so close," Maxwell said. "It's been an incredible experience, and we have a lot of fun together. We've had our season end earlier than expected, but hopefully, we can get one more chance to get past them and have an amazing season."
bhannahs@gannett.com; @brandonhannahs
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Rosecrans' Maxwell lands on United Soccer Coaches All-Region squad
