Precision and power:
A striker making her mark.
By: Sierra G. Parrish
Soccer is more than just a game, it’s a test of tolerance, strategy, and energy. It’s played in the mayhem of midfield battles, the stillness before a free kick, and the bellow after a big win. On high school fields everywhere, it’s where passion meets opportunity and chance. In the middle of it all, controlling timing, Soccer is a game of moments, split-second decisions, accuracy, and quick thinking. In a sport where every touch counts, Ana Ruggles is a striker whose presence is impossible to ignore. 
In soccer, forward players are crucial; they finish attacks and create scoring opportunities, all while making accurate, hard-hitting passes. Ana Ruggles is a junior varsity player on Hamilton High School’s soccer team. She loved soccer ever since she scored her first goal, She is a role model to the younger teammates and a great addition to her team! Her aggressive, strong style helps her win balls, block other teams’ passes, and set a tone for the game, which helps her be successful on the field. Ana says that she began playing soccer in kindergarten and became more serious during 7th grade, but it was high school that got her serious, marking a complete switch from middle school soccer. When she went on varsity, she gained confidence and excelled in her practices. Ana stated, “It’s a whole mindset change and a whole new level of physicality.” This began her long journey in the world of soccer.
Stress is a significant component that factors into every player’s life. Ana prepares for a big match by listening to music to get her in a good headspace, to get her body ready, she eats, and rolls out any sore muscles before the match. Testing her endurance while running in practices is a skill she has learned on the field, along with giving and receiving verbal feedback within her team. “I am a lot faster than I was in my freshman year,” she says. Ana is seen as a very aggressive and kind player who cheers her teammates on when watching from the sidelines. A midfielder on the Hawkeye team views Ana as “a sweet, nice, and aggressive player who is always there for her teammates when they need someone to talk to.” After tough losses, Ana always tries to uplift their spirits and reassure them that they did well on the field, which is crucial for team bonding.
Although she has been doing soccer for a long time, she has realized her passion lies elsewhere. Even though soccer has been a significant part of her life for a long time, she has decided not to pursue her soccer journey further. “I don’t think I’m going to play soccer next year or in college.” She has become more passionate about wrestling. This year, she has played on our very own Hamilton wrestling team and in the off-season. “It has been my first year wrestling, I love wrestling, and I practice it off-season more than I do soccer.” Ana will be exploring wrestling next year and for many years to come.