Jeff Moeller, correspondent
Maggie Dodge likes to play her part on the Richmond Hill girls' soccer team. The junior has played her unselfish and somewhat low-profile role in the Wildcats’ three consecutive regional titles.
“I am more of a distributor,” said Dodge, who has been a three-year captain. “I make a lot of passes and share the ball with everyone to make scoring opportunities. I see myself as a role model for the younger players on the team and a leader on the field.”
Dodge, who has been playing the midfield and center back positions for the Wildcats, has been an integral part of their unblemished 17-0 overall record and their 10-0 mark in the Class 6A Region 1 heading into their final regular-season week.
Head coach Shawn Allen has relished Dodge’s role and contributions that have helped shape their program.
“She is the workhorse of our midfield,” explained Allen. “She busts her butt on offense and defense. She doesn’t have a ton of stats but she is the player that plays with passion and gives our team emotion on the field.”
Since her early youth, Dodge has been tied to the game. Along with her play with the Wildcats, Dodge has played club soccer.
Dodge has been an all-conference ECNL (Elite Clubs National League Southeast Conference) selection, playing for the Jacksonville Football Club 09 ECNL team.
“I have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember,” said Dodge. “I only play soccer in Richmond Hill for high school and currently travel to Jacksonville to play club soccer.”
However, Dodge fondly remembers her freshman year at Richmond Hill.
“I will always remember as a freshman when the whole team got in trouble and we had to do 120s all practice,” said Dodge. “It was terrible but it bonded us as a team and brought everyone closer.
“Everyone talks about it to this day, and it is one of my core memories for high school soccer.”
Yet, Dodge hasn’t forgotten her roots. She credited some of her coaches and her father, Matt. They all have played a part in her decision to attend the University of North Georgia in two years.
‘The people that had the biggest impact in my life were my dad, coach Aven and coach Miguel,” said Dodge. “They are what got me started and helped me build up my skills.
“Without them I would have never been able to commit to the University of North Georgia. My dad has made a huge impact on my life, he has helped me through everything and I wouldn’t be where I’m at now without him.”
In the future, Dodge plans to pursue a career as a dermatologist. When she isn’t playing soccer, Dodge is part of the school's rec sports club and enjoys playing pickleball.
“I like helping others, so I planned on studying something with a healthcare or athletic performance focus in college,” said Dodge. “I have always thought about being a dermatologist.
“I like the idea of helping people with something that affects their everyday life like skin and hair.”