Ranch defender signs with Sand Sharks

Lakewood Ranch High senior Kristen Voight became the third Lady Mustang soccer player to commit to play at the next level.

On April 15 in front of family and friends, the Lady Mustang defender signed a national letter-of-intent to play soccer for the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

“It feels great,” Voight said. “I’ve worked so hard to do this. I’ve been through so much, and it’s finally paid off.

Voight, who plans to major in education, chose USCB over a handful of other schools in North Carolina and South Carolina.

“My family is from there, and I love it up there,” Voight said of limiting her search to the Carolinas.

Voight began playing soccer when she was 4 years old after trying a variety of sports. She ultimately ended up sticking with soccer and spent four years playing for Lakewood.

Now, Voight will spend the next few months playing for the Braden River Rage U18 team before heading up to South Carolina in early August to begin training with the Sand Sharks.

“I’m looking forward to getting a new team because I love teammates and stuff,” Voight said. “The coach said I would probably start if I go up with a good attitude. I’m going to have to be open to trying new things and working hard. It’s going to be tough.”