Senior defender Maddison Balashaitis is one of the top returning players for the Ankeny Centennial girls’ soccer team. She helped the Jaguars to a 13-7 record last season and a trip to the Class 3A state tournament, where she was named to the all-tournament team.
Balashaitis scored three goals and also had an assist while helping her squad record six shutouts. She was selected to the Class 3A all-state second team and to the CIML Conference first team.
Here is some inside info on Balashaitis:
How did the preseason go? Have the practices been productive?
Practices have been good so far, and the level is nice. It’s evident that everyone is there to get better and have a competitive mindset. It feels good to be back playing together!
Your team returns 13 players from a year ago who have all started for the Jaguars at some point. Do you feel like this is one of the more experienced teams that you have played on?
Yes, I do. There is experience all around the field, and multiple players have experience playing multiple positions which can benefit us in the long run.
Two of your teammates, Olivia Kroska and Piper Zeman, are coming back from knee injuries. I know Piper isn’t 100 percent yet, but how have those two looked in practice?
Piper is limited in practice, but she is playing well right now. She shows up every day and practices hard. Having Liv back has been really good. She put in a lot of work to get back to 100 percent and so having her back is going to be huge for us–not only on the field, but her leadership will also have a big impact.
Your team will open the season on Monday at Iowa City West. Do you know much about the Trojans?
I do not know anything about them actually, but they usually have some tough teams.
You scored two of your three goals in the last two games that you played a year ago, and coach Allen has mentioned that he hopes the team can finish its scoring opportunities at a higher rate this season. Do you think you can have a bigger offensive impact this season?
I found my groove toward the end of the season so I am hoping that I will be able to build on that and impact more of the season.
I know you’ve been effective on set pieces in the past, primarily with your ability to get your head on the ball. Is that a skill that comes naturally for you, or did it take a lot of practice?
It comes naturally with my height, but I had to learn how to make it effective. We always practice corners and so pushing myself to use my head and then seeing the ball go in helps with my confidence and knowing that I can do it.
There are some new rules that will go into effect this year, including one that will allow regular-season games to end in a tie. Do you like that rule?
I like playing in (penalty kicks) and ending in ties can get messy in the long run, but it will be better for our bodies and our recovery as there are no easy games in the CIML.
You played on a state championship team as a freshman. Do you feel like this squad has championship potential?
I think we do, and I’m excited to see where this season goes.
What will be the keys for this team to reach its potential?
Our keys will be dominant midfield play and having a strong presence with Ava (Martin) at the top. We are lucky to have a lot of returners, and we will be able to pick up from where we left off. Our defensive line is also returning three of the four starters so we should be solid in the back.
You have committed to play for Concordia St. Paul. Do you think you’ll be able to step in right away and contribute next fall?
That is always the goal, but I’ll have some work to do to be able to adapt to the next level of play.
You were an academic all-state pick last year, so I know your academics are important to you. What will you be studying in college?
I am going to be majoring in finance.