Andover Central’s Mary Metz Andover Central’s Allie Paulsen

By Hayden Swope

Andover Central’s Mary Metz knew she had a big decision to make heading into the year. With the decision to play soccer at a higher level, Metz knew work was going to need to be put in year round.

“A lot went through my head before the season or games started,” Metz said. “I knew I wanted to play in college so I knew I had to work twice as hard. So I definitely wanted to improve myself as a whole like working out, becoming faster, better ball handler or just getting in the right mindset is going through my head all the time.”

The first team all-league and all-county player has been preparing for the 2023 season, making new goals and pushing her strengths and weaknesses to the limits over the offseason.

“I always have a goal to be better than the previous season but this year I think the biggest goal is to just live in the moment,” Metz said. “Last year I felt like I had this pressure on me trying to get recruited, but this year I’m focusing on just having fun since it is my last year in high school. When the postseason comes around I think the goal is to have made this year count since it is my last year and just have memories with my teammates.”

Metz will continue her soccer career in college, while also going to school for a science degree.

“I plan on attending and playing soccer at MidAmerica Nazarene,” Metz said. “While attending, I’m planning on majoring in either chemistry or biology. After I get my Bachelor’s Degree, I plan on going to medical school to further my education and after many years of that I want to become a Neurosurgeon or a Cardiac Surgeon.”

By Hayden Swope

Allie Paulsen, a senior at Andover Central, is mostly known for her skills on the volleyball court, but last year, Paulsen decided to take a chance on track and field. With this being her second year running track, Paulsen was chosen as the Ocadiz Shelter Insurance Athlete of the Month.

“I am beyond excited to be chosen for the magazine,” Paulsen said. “It is so rewarding to be recognized for all the hard work I’ve put into track and field. This is only my second year competing in high school track and I have worked really hard on my events which has made track such a fun and competitive experience.”

With new records and new events, Paulsen is starting to prepare for that first meet.

“I haven’t jumped since last spring, so it took some time to get back into the rhythm of things,” Paulsen said. “I am long jumping this year, which I didn’t compete in last year, so a lot of my focus went into feeling consistent to start competing in long jump.”

Hoping to make it farther than last aspirations to make new goals and accomplish as many as she can for her senior season.

“I have goals to make it to state in triple jump this year, place in the top three in a few meets for both triple jump and long jump, and to hit at least 33 feet in triple jump for my personal record,” Paulsen said. Paulsen will continue her volleyball journey and education close to home, and will attend Wichita State in the fall.

“I am attending Wichita State University to play volleyball and majoring in marketing,” Paulsen said.