Many athletic names shine in the halls of John P. Stevens High School because of their excellence and devotion; one incredible example is Kristen Whitney. As the captain of the girls soccer team and a 4-year varsity starter, Kristen has demonstrated remarkable leadership and embodied the spirit of encouragement and optimism. She demonstrates the camaraderie that every team strives for.
Kristen’s journey with soccer started when she was only in second grade, inspired by her older sister. After seeing her sister play soccer, she decided to step into her sister’s shoes. Since then, soccer became a fundamental part of her life, and she never looked back. Since her freshman year, she’s been a key asset to the team. For the past 4 years, Kristen has continuously shown improvement while significantly contributing to the team’s victories and growth. Her unwavering dedication has caught the attention of many, her peers and coaches only being able to speak highly about her.
However, what truly sets Kristen apart is her exceptional leadership. A teammate says, “ she is a really great person to be around and look up to.” Kristen is constantly described as a body of resilience and kindness. She is also expressed as “incredibly fun to hang out with, always having a way to be there for every single person on the team”. Kristen’s ability to connect with everyone instantly has fostered a sense of unity and support within the team; this not only has earned her the title of captain but also has reputed her as a friend and mentor.
Reflecting on her time on the team, Kristen states that memorable bus rides, night games like senior night, and thrilling victories—such as beating Woodbridge in a close game—are her favorite highlights of her high school soccer career. Through these experiences, Kristen has created unbreakable bonds with her teammates.
Yet, Kristen’s achievements don’t stop there. In her sophomore year, Kristen was selected for the “Rising Star Showcase”, perfectly describing the bright future ahead of her. Apart from this, she had been nominated for the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC), representing JPS.
Kristen’s leadership extends beyond the pitch markings on the soccer field. She has cultivated an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, ensuring that cohesive teamwork and encouragement are always the way to go. Her empathetic nature and approachable demeanor have only proved her title of captain, guiding the girls’ JPS soccer team through challenges and triumph.
As Kristen prepares to move on to the next chapter of her life, her legacy will undoubtedly live through the halls of JPS. Her never-ending devotion to the game of soccer while constantly fostering a fun-loving community will always keep a place in everyone’s hearts. Kristen states that underclassmen should “try to appreciate it and make the best of it. It’s easy to complain about the 6 am practices and everything, but you’re definitely going to miss it. So just try to make the best of it and have fun with it.”
Kristen Whitney has left an indelible mark on our school; a beacon of what true sportsmanship and friendship look like.
