Story by Jeff Moeller, correspondent

Growing up, Becca Carpenter’s soccer career can be compared to the mantra of “walk softly and carry a big stick.”

Instead, Carpenter has walked quietly and has let her soccer ball do her talking.

The sophomore midfielder has four goals and nine assists, and has played an integral part of the Wildcats’ unblemished 11-0 season.

Yet, she won’t forget her humble beginnings and her eventual transformation. 

“I first started soccer when I was five years old at the Richmond Hill Soccer Club,” recalled Carpenter. “ I was very shy and didn’t talk to anyone, but I didn’t let that stop me on the field.”

Her career took a twist early on, but it did begin to accelerate.

“I always played in the center and it’s my favorite position,” added Carpenter. “When I moved up from rec to my very first club team when I was seven, I played on an all-boys team. 

“But then the next year, there was a girls’ team that I began to play on. I played with the same girls for six years. We all had a lot of chemistry on the field, but then we all began to join different clubs.”

With her flexibility, Carpenter’s connections on and off the field began to expand.

“I still stay in contact with a lot of girls, and now most of us reconnect through high school soccer,” said Carpenter. “One of my favorite things about playing soccer is the people I met through it.”

Head coach Shawn Allen has watched Carpenter evolve into one of the team’s mainstays in two years. He has appreciated seeing her earnest beginnings evolve into a steady contributor.

According to her mother, Jess, her daughter’s personality is not unlike her two sons, Logan, 17, and Nolan, 13, who both previously played club soccer. All three children work as field technicians for the soccer club on Saturdays.

Becca’s coach sees a similar picture.

“She is very modest, humble, and a hard working talented player,” said Allen about Carpenter. “ "She is our attacking center midfielder. She is a very important part of our offense and creates a lot of our attacking opportunities for other players. She is a sophomore who is starting in that critical position for us.”  

Carpenter still has let her soccer ball do all of her talking. She certainly will play a major role in the Wildcats’ quest for the fifth straight regional title. 

 “I’ve always feel comfortable with a ball at my feet,” admitted Carpenter. “I just get nervous when I feel that all eyes are on me, but I still push through knowing that I'm a part of a team and we all work together. 

“I believe we are 100 percent on target to win regionals again.”