Athlete Spotlight: Kelsey Holbert to Play Soccer As a Panther

Lyons Township graduate Kelsey Holbert, headed for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the fall, has known soccer was a genuine passion for a while now.

Yet she’s been dreaming of playing college soccer her entire high school career.

“Around 8th grade and freshman year you kind of set [playing at the college level] as a long term goal, but once I started playing with [Windy City] Pride I saw how high the level of competition was and I got more serious of playing in college.”

Holbert is well aware of the inevitable step-up from high school to college.

“The speed of play is a lot faster at the college level so since I play in the midfield I need to work on seeing balls early and playing them a lot more quickly,” Holbert said. “Also, I need to work on defensive positioning and winning balls out of the air.”

In 2011, Holbert led the Lions to a 20-5-1 record, two tournament championship appearances and a berth in the IHSA class 4A sectional final, thanks primarily to her double-digit goal tally and ball skill in central midfield.

The talented midfielder undeniably gifted the Lions much over the years, but she claims the Lyons Township soccer experience has gifted her fond memories.

“The atmosphere [of LT soccer] is just so unique,” Holbert said. “To play with and for people you know and people you’re friends with has been such a cool experience for me. Sharing some great games, seasons and experiences with my teammates is probably what I’ll remember most.”

Lyons head coach Bill Lanspeary spoke highly of Holbert’s presence as a player and person in an interview with the Chicago Tribune in April.

“Kelsey is as good as it gets,” Lanspeary said. “Her work ethic and leadership are second to none, and she makes everyone around her a better player.”

During her four year stint with the LTHS varsity program, Holbert learned valuable lessons in terms of work ethic and dedication.

“I’ve seen that anything you want to do well in takes a lot of hard work,” Holbert said. “I’ve had my share of good stretches and bad stretches, but I’ve stuck with it. Finding something you really love to do is key to success, and I wouldn’t still be playing or going where I’m going if I didn’t love it.”

Love of the game is crucial, especially given the future Panther’s hectic practice and game schedule.

 “During the year we practice twice a week and during the summer we’ll practice four times a week when we have a tournament coming up,” Holbert said. “It’s definitely manageable. It’s hard but it’s fun and it’s the best way to prepare for college.”

Holbert believes that aspiring to play a division I sport can be extremely rewarding—regardless of the outcome—if commitment and devotion are up to par.

“If you are committed, then it can be a really great experience,” Holbert said. “But, you really have to be committed. It gives you a purpose and a drive in college, and it’s nice to have a close little community within a bigger school.”

Aside from soccer, Holbert maintained stellar academic and extracurricular records during her time at Lyons Township. For the time being, though, her mind still lies with the beautiful game and her new Panther comrades.

“I’m definitely excited to play with the team—we have a lot of good seniors—and we should have a good year,” Holbert said. “But, it’s definitely intimidating and especially the first month you want to make a good impression.”