Originally Published May 26, 2020

Ada High School senior Colee Rogers says she has been playing soccer ever since she could walk. While her mother introduced her to the sport, Rogers fell in love with it all on her own.

“My mom was the one who put me in soccer, but what kept me playing was making friendships with my teammates and coaches, the feeling of adrenaline when playing, and just how fun it was to me,” said Rogers.

Her mother has also been a role model for Rogers over the years. 

“My mom has always been the person I look up too,” said Rogers. “She’s an extremely hard worker in everything she does. She was the person who took me to all my soccer practices and games. My biggest fan. She’s taught me to work hard for what I want, and to always enjoy the moments.”

Rogers is a very competitive person by nature. The intensity of soccer is part of what draws her to the sport, and what keeps her motivated on the field. 

“You play for 80 minutes and kill yourself to try to out play the other team. You have to be faster, stronger, and you have to want the ball to be better,” she said. “The adrenaline I would get playing always made me push myself to keep going. ‘Mentally tough, physically strong’ is what my coaches taught us.” 

One of those cherished moments was the first time she set foot on the field for her team. She looks back on her favorite memories with her team.

“I would describe the time that I played for my high school team with one word, unimaginable. From my first summer practice to my last game. The coaches truly care for the soccer program and made a relationship with all of us,” she said. “I have a lot of moments that stand out like ‘fun week,’ dance battles, running hills, and spending the night together in a hotel.”

In the fall, Rogers plans to attend Southeastern and major in marketing. Before that, she has some words of advice for the underclassmen who will take the field next spring. 

“Use soccer as a escape. It’s what I did. Anytime I had a bad day or didn’t feel good I went hard at practice,” she said. “Don’t let your bad mood effect others. Enjoy practice with friends and it will change your mood. Be the good energy at practice and it will uplift everyone else.”