Janee Andre Coeur D’Alene Year: Freshman Sport: Soccer Position: Striker

For several reasons we usually shy away from considering freshmen for this weekly honor.

In the case of Janee Andre, however, an exception had to be made. She’s considered the best freshman to come along since Coeur d’Alene and Lake City all-state, multiple-sport standout Jennifer Kerns.

In fact, Andre’s considered one of the best soccer players in the region regardless of age, and that will likely be reflected in an all-Inland Empire League selection come season’s end.

“She’s been taking on the league’s best defenders and beating them,” Coeur d’Alene coach David Tabakman said.

Andre leads a balanced Viking attack with eight goals and is easily the leader in attempted goals. At striker, she’s a never-ending streak of perpetual motion.

She expected to make varsity this fall. After all, she plays year-round against competition as much as two years older, and she started on an Olympic Development Program State Select team in early July coached by former Coeur d’Alene and Lake City coach Bill Eisenwinter. The team played in a Western Regional in Corvallis, Ore.

“I didn’t expect to start right away,” said the 5-foot-7 Andre, a promising basketball player and sprinter in track. “I’m surprised I’m leading the team in scoring.”

Said Eisenwinter: “She’s one of the better players her age. She has a very good understanding of the game. She’s an extremely hard worker. She puts in a lot more time than most players her age.”

Andre has played soccer since she was 5. But she started playing it more seriously about a year before her family moved to Coeur d’Alene from Santa Rosa, Calif., two years ago.

She didn’t score a goal Friday when the league-leading Viks shut out Lake City 1-0 and completed a regular-season sweep of their rival. But her presence caused the Timberwolves great concern.

In at least five times, Andre made spectacular moves around defenders and found herself one-on-one with standout goalie Jeanne Russell. Andre’s excitement was evident in her off-the-mark shots.

“We’ve got to get her to finish a few more of those moves so we don’t have to work as hard,” Tabakman said, smiling.

Tabakman wants Andre to keep attacking the goal and taking shots. “One of the tough things in the game of soccer is being patient,” Tabakman said. “That comes with time. She’s played well against the best teams in the league. That says a lot.”

What’s made the season most gratifying so far, Andre said, is finding a comfortable place on the team.

“I’ve been well-accepted by my teammates,” Andre said.

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