Senior forward McKenna Hilton has helped the eighth-ranked Ankeny Centennial girls’ soccer team to a 13-6 record. She had an assist on Thursday as the Jaguars posted a 2-1 victory over No. 11 Southeast Polk in a Class 3A regional final, punching the team’s ticket to this week’s state tournament.
Hilton has racked up six goals and three assists on the season. She had a hat trick and an assist in the Jaguars’ 9-0 win over Cedar Rapids Jefferson in the regional semifinal on Wednesday.
Here is some inside info on Hilton:
Congratulations on making it to state for the fourth time in your high school career. Does it feel any different this year since you are a senior?
As a senior heading to state, possibly for the last game of my high school career, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous about Tuesday. However, my nerves aren’t about the game or the team we play, but rather the emotional aspect of this week. This year, I’m more passionate than ever because, as seniors, we know that every game from now on is a fight to have one more day with the team.
How confident were you going into the regional final, since your team had already defeated Southeast Polk earlier this month?
I was pretty confident in my team’s abilities because I see how hard they work every day to perform at the highest levels when it matters most. Although we did defeat Southeast Polk during the regular season, coach Allen has taught us never to underestimate a team, no matter our past accomplishments. Still, our team worked hard, proved our willingness to compete, and ultimately made our way to state.
Your pass to Ava Martin set up the game’s first goal in the 19th minute. Did that goal take some of the pressure off your team?
The first goal of the game definitely took some weight off my chest because then I knew that we’d do everything possible to win that game. I was determined to get to the end line and cross it back, hoping someone was there, and Ava was determined to get the ball to the back of the net. I think I speak for the team when I say we used that goal as our momentum moving forward.
Your team will now play No. 1 Waukee Northwest in the Class 3A quarterfinals on Tuesday, giving you a chance to avenge a 4-2 loss to the Wolves on May 10. What do you remember about that game?
We haven’t forgotten our first game against Waukee Northwest. I believe that we proved our determination and perseverance when we came back from being down two goals. Although the outcome isn’t what we wanted, we played phenomenally, and it shows that we can compete and even defeat Northwest if we work our hardest together as a team.
What will be the keys for your team to reverse that earlier result?
Overall, our key components are our competitiveness. We can never slow down and stop working hard. No more lapses in the moments that matter the most. This means show consistent bravery on and off the ball, communication on the field and putting in the extra effort. Making that extra run or connecting that extra pass makes all the difference. The little things matter the most and it’s what makes soccer, soccer. As a team we need to stay consistent with all aspects in order to compete the way we intend to.
The top eight teams in Class 3A all advanced to the state tournament, including five CIML Conference schools. Do you feel like it’s a pretty wide open tournament that anybody can win?
There are many amazing teams that are joining us in the state tournament, but I still believe it’s open for anyone to win. Take my sophomore year for example: every team we played during the tournament was a previous loss on our record. However, we persevered and became the 3A state champions of 2022. This proves to me that anyone has the chance to compete for the title, and we’re no exception.
You had a goal against Waukee Northwest in the first 5 minutes of the Class 3A quarterfinals two years ago, sparking that run to the title. Do you remember that goal?
My goal during that game was unexpected for me, but it wasn’t an undeserving one for our team. I remember many aspects leading up to that goal, and will still credit majority to Ellie Street for her amazing cross into the box where I had the chance to put the ball in the back of the net.
That Centennial team knocked off three higher-ranked opponents, and like you mentioned also avenged some earlier losses, to capture the crown. Does that give you confidence that this year’s team could pull off the same feat?
Yes, our 2022 championship fuels my confidence that we can do it again no matter our regular season defeats. We are highly motivated and resilient. We don’t give up easily, and we refuse to hang up our cleats until the job is done. Which is why I ask the question: why is this year any different from 2022?
I know you’ve committed to play at Iowa Central next year. Was it a tough decision?
Although I was nervous in making the commitment, as everyone is when they are thinking of committing, I knew that this was the right choice for me. I had an amazing visit and great discussions with head coach Jordan Sibenaller, and it became clear that this was the right place for my next chapter.
What did you like about Iowa Central?
Iowa Central is an amazing school that fosters athletes’ abilities to grow as players and students in order for them to continue on their next adventure, whether that’s going into the work force or getting recruited to continue playing at a four-year college.
Have you had a graduation party yet, or have you been too busy with soccer?
I just had my graduation party on Saturday, and it was amazing to see all of my family and my friends come together under one roof. I am so grateful to everyone who helped me put together my grad party and made it such a successful one. I am also grateful for my friends and family taking time out of their schedules in order to celebrate my graduation. I hope that everyone who came had a good time and even better food.
