Wright City junior Paige Kirn was recently named to the Class 2 all-state team as an honorable mention selection.

Kirn, a midfielder, proved to be a key player for the Wildcats this season as she led the team in points of assists and goals. 

Kirn recalls being a little surprised when she saw her name on the all-state list, noting that a factor that goes into the list is how well the team does in districts and the Wildcats had lost in the first round. 

The Missouri Class 2 power rankings had Wright City ranked at 48 out of 63 schools. Kirn was on the lowest ranked team to receive an all-state honor, with most players that were acknowledged were on teams placing in the top 20. The second-lowest ranked team to receive an honor was Excelsior Springs at 36. 

“It was super exciting to still make the team even though our districts didn’t go how we wanted it to,” Kirn said. “I was nervous for it to come out but I am very honored.” 

Before this season, Kirn prepared by going to winter and summer workouts with the team. During the offseason, she also plays club soccer with Missouri Rush ECNL which allows her to keep working on her technique and stay in shape. 

She notes that she is constantly practicing and playing soccer, often traveling for out of town tournaments and attending her club practices that are three times a week. 

Some of Kirn’s personal goals have changed since receiving this honor. Since the next season will be her last, she is striving to make first or second team all-state and move up the ranks. 

Kirn reflected on this past season shouting out some of her teammates for helping her achieve 13 assists. She recalled a specific play that she considered her favorite moment from the season. 

During a game, the team was up and winning by a few goals. Kirn remembers having a breakaway and getting past the goalie, but instead of shooting it, she passed it to her teammate, Norma Linda Diego, who was to the left of her. 

Diego took the ball and scored, screaming and jumping up and down out of joy. 

“She was so happy and we celebrated,” Kirn said. “It was such a good moment.” 

Even with her stack of 30 goals scored this season, Kirn said she prefers having an assist.

“I get to see the reactions of my teammates, especially teammates that aren’t always playing forward or don’t always have scoring opportunities,” Kirn said. “It’s really big for the team, so it’s definitely better.”

While having an assist might be her favorite, Kirn added that scoring is still exciting and when it happens, she gets a sense of relief. 

“It’s really uplifting, especially in tight games,” Kirn said. “As soon as we know that goal is going in, it’s like a feeling of relief that lets us know we’re still in the game.” 

Kirn has been playing soccer for a while now and her motivation is what keeps her going.

“I want to play at the next level,” Kirn said. “My friends and family, especially my parents, have supported me through everything I’ve ever done. I just want to keep going and keep playing.”