Paul helps strike success for Lakeside in GNL soccer
Lakeside’s Callie Paul isn’t a soccer player who enjoys heaping praise on herself.
The accolades certainly are deserved, however, so perhaps it’s best to leave that duty to Eagles coach Mark Lindsay.
“She is the workhorse, the Clydesdale of this team,” Lindsay said of his junior standout. “She’s a playmaker and a threat with her ability to execute long balls that finish in the back of the net.”
Paul’s ball-striking ability was evidenced earlier this season on a game-deciding shot against Great Northern League rival Cheney, Lindsay said.
With four minutes remaining in the contest, Paul unleashed a goal from 35 yards out that allowed the Eagles to escape with a 2-1 road victory.
Victory has created a four-way tie for first place among Lakeside, the Blackhawks, Pullman and West Valley.
An attacking center midfielder who has started during each of her three years at Lakeside, Paul has registered seven goals and eight assists this season. She can push forward to bolster the Eagles’ offense, but her most important attribute may be controlling the midfield. Ball possession often is won or lost in the midfield, and great teams often earn their status by dictating possession there.
“I just try to calm the team and create tempo for the team,” Paul said.
Paul, 16, also travels to Spokane from Nine Mile Falls to play with the River City club program. Playing several months a year, Paul has developed her game to the point where she can envision playing in college.
She said her dream would be playing at the University of Washington, even though she admitted her Washington State University-loving dad may have some reservations.
Paul is one of three Eagles to start the past three seasons, joining Jacy Fitzpatrick and Stacey Olson. Paul and Fitzpatrick are inseparable off the field, Lindsay said.
“It’s really cool when we get a goal together, like she gets the goal and I get the assist or I get the goal and she gets the assist,” Paul said. “The goal side is always nice.”