In sports, to be a captain doesn’t just mean being the best player.
“I think it’s important, especially in the captain role to be a leader not just by example but also vocally,” said Glendale senior Macie Stephens.
That’s why opponents might sometimes hear Macie before they see her.
“The great thing about Macie is we talk before games, we talk during games, we talk after games so we’re always kind of making those mental adjustments and she knows what to do with that on the field,” said Glendale Head Coach Jeff Rogers.
But it’s not just what Macie says or does that makes an impact.
It’s also how she says it.
“She’s not going to panic so she’s going to be able to instruct in a positive way,” Rogers said.
It’s the sort of guidance Glendale needs this year as several young players fill important roles.
“The kids follow her, and that’s also special,” Rogers added.
It’s part of what makes the Lady Falcons senior a perfect fit as a defender.
“Something I like to bring to the team is just a calming presence in the back,” Macie said.
Yet, every now and then, that calming defense turns into a burst of speed when Macie shifts to offense.
“In college, she’s probably not going to get those opportunities because it’s so competitive, but to be able to [have] her run and be in the offense is a gift for us,” Rogers said.
Her presence on defense will be a gift next year at Abilene Christian, where Macie will compete at the Division I level.
“Having the opportunity to play Division I next year is really incredible and I’m super honored to be able to have that opportunity,” Macie said.
It’s an opportunity that will be here in just a few months, as Macie’s high school career starts to wind down.
It will soon bring a bittersweet feeling as she looks toward the future and says goodbye to Glendale.
“I have more soccer ahead of me, but it is going to be really hard to leave my team and to leave Glendale in the past, but it’s been a blast,” she said.
