Athlete of the Week: Kat Elliot

After spending three years playing goalie, Braden River Middle School seventh-grader Kat Elliot was eager for a new challenge.

The 13-year-old tried out for the school’s girls soccer team; and after making the team for the second season, Elliot set her sights on playing forward. But after meeting the rest of her teammates, Elliot discovered she was the only one with any experience in front of the net.

Instead of playing forward, Elliot willingly stepped up and played goalie all season for the Panthers.

“She did an outstanding job for us,” Braden River Middle coach Bob Singer said.

Through eight games, Elliot allowed just five goals in regulation while leading the Panthers to four shutout victories and a spot in the middle school girls soccer championships June 2.

“You kind of have to carry the weight of the team,” Elliot said. “If a striker makes a mistake (it’s OK), but if a goalie makes a mistake it kind of comes down on them.

“(That’s why) I like the start of the game and kick off the best because you never know how the game is going to end up,” she added.

Elliot began playing soccer seven years ago and quickly fell in love with the sport. Four years later, she began playing goalie and she hasn’t looked back since.

Last year, Elliot joined FC Sarasota and after a successful try out she was awarded a spot on the team. This fall, Elliot will play for FC Sarasota’s U14 squad before playing for the Panthers again next spring.