Posted 10/7/08

“The game has always been a part of my life,” said senior varsity soccer captain Annie Pippert.



Annie was first introduced to the game of soccer 11 years ago when her parents signed her up for first grade kick n’ chase. Shortly after being introduced to the new sport it became a hobby of hers. After years of participating on numerous recreational teams with friends from elementary school, Pippert decided to join a traveling club team to play tougher competition. “The game became a lot more serious for me in middle school,” said Pippert.

After three years of challenging herself while playing classic soccer, people were beginning to recognize Annie as a very talented player, including Warriors varsity head coach Brain Taylor.

“She entered her freshman year as a complete overall soccer player with great talent,” said Taylor.

As Annie entered high school she was placed on the varsity team as a freshman and contributed to a third place finish in the PIL. The following season she became a regular starter at center midfield, and was beginning to establish herself as a leader as only a sophomore. As the 2006 soccer season ended the Warriors won the PIL championship, and Pippert earned first team all-league honors. “Being recognized as one of the top players in the league as a sophomore was a great honor,” said Pippert.

The following year the Warriors captured a conference championship for the second year in a row, and Pippert was honored for her efforts again as she was placed on second team all league.

“She has always been a strong, confident player who rose to the top after a couple of years,” said teammate Kelsey Houghten, who has played with Pippert since sixth grade.

Entering her senior year, Pippert’s high school success started to become recognized by major colleges all around the nation, including Occidental, Rollins College, and University of Hawaii, Hilo. After months of debating the right fit for her future, Pippert recently gave a verbal commitment to play for Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.

The Tars of Rollins are nationally ranked in the top 25 for Division II colleges. “I am so excited to be able to have the opportunity to play soccer in college. All the hard work is now paid off,” said Pippert.