ERICA DUBIN SETS HER GOALS HIGH

Back in middle school, 14 year old Erica Dubin would close her eyes and vision playing high school soccer.  The vision continued to evolve and led Erica to set her goal to start for the varsity team her freshman year.  In August, Erica began her freshman year at Ardrey Kell High School and began to zero in on her goal.  After working hard in the fall and winter, soccer tryouts finally arrived in February.

The daughter of Terry and Lee Dubin walked onto the plush Ardrey Kell field determined to earn a spot on Head Coach Jeff Mercado’s varsity team.  It was time to put all the soccer knowledge she had gained since age four to work. A few days later, tryouts came to an end and Erica was named to the varsity team, one of five freshmen to make the squad.  There was still work to be done; Erica wanted very badly to earn a starting position on defense. After nearly a month of preseason practice, Erica earned the starting spot and now plays for one of the top-15, 4A, lady soccer teams in the state. 

“It was a dream come true to earn the starting spot this season,” Erica said. “We have a lot of very good soccer players on our team and all get along really well.  From the start, we all clicked and developed a lot of team chemistry. All of us are determined to win and make the state tournament.”

The Knights may lack a senior class, but they certainly are not short on talent.  Despite two players out for the season with knee injuries, the team nearly upset state championship contender Providence High School a few weeks ago. Last Tuesday night, the Knights defeated Myers Park, another quality team.

The older players have provided leadership for the five freshmen on the team.  Erica is very thankful for the support they provide.  She points out how big of a help junior teammate Kait Roberts has been.

“Kait has been a big help to me.  She is always there to lift us up and provide support.”

As the soccer season moves closer to playoff time, Erica believes the Knights will continue to improve.  Her teammates are all dedicated to being the best team possible. Many of these young ladies are just like Erica, they live, sleep, eat and breathe soccer 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

That kind of dedication will pay off in time.  Very few people will be surprised to see Ardrey Kell High School play for a State Championship before Erica Dubin graduates.

The South Charlotte Sports Report congratulates Erica for setting and achieving her goal!