ROGERS -- It didn't take long for Skylurr Patrick to find a home with the Rogers High girls soccer team.
As a freshman this past season, Patrick admitted she was a bit nervous competing against older and more experienced players on the soccer field. But that didn't last long as she scored two goals in the first 7A-West Conference match that started the Lady Mounties on the road to a berth in the state tournament.
Patrick would go on to score 20 goals and add 14 assists as Rogers lost to Mount St. Mary 1-0 in overtime in the first round of the Class 7A State Tournament. For her effort, Patrick is the All-NWADG Girls Soccer Newcomer of the Year.
"It was a little nerve wracking coming in as a freshman, but it was easy coming in because our team is like a family," Patrick said. "I always had 10 other girls backing me up on the field and that helped calm my nerves."
Lady Mounties coach Taylor Vacarro said that Patrick is a complete player with a high ceiling.
"Skylurr is a difference maker in games due to her talent and hustle on the field," Hayes said. "She has a true passion for the game and the team. Numerous times throughout the year, she has moved to positions on the field where she was needed the most. She's played everywhere but goalkeeper.
"Skylurr creates scoring opportunities for not only herself but also her teammates, usually (Sienna) Nealon. I'm looking forward to seeing how she improves during the off season."
Patrick said she enjoyed playing different positions during the year.
"It was kind of easy because I have played all the positions during my career," she said.
-- Paul Nielsen @NWAPaul
Sports on 06/10/2015