Senior Spotlight

Amelia Castleberg-SPASH

Providing SPASH Panthers girls soccer with timely goals throughout her high school career, Amelia Castleberg has surpassed even her lofty expectations, reaching the 100 career goal milestone as she leads a team also looking for success, currently sitting at the top of the Wisconsin Valley Conference standings.

Amelia began playing soccer at four years old, being introduced to the sport by her mother, Sarah, who was a collegiate soccer player herself.

Although soccer has continued to be her number one sport, Amelia plays sports in all three seasons as she competes in cross country and hockey as well.

The University of Minnesota-Duluth commit, who will play soccer and major in marketing, has found a balance in her time in the classroom and her time competing, “As the years of high school went by, I improved my study habits and managed my time better. I learned to get my assignments done first and then focus on my sport after I was done.”

The relationships that Amelia has forged during her time in soccer have made her stick with the sport. “My favorite part about soccer is definitely playing together with a team. I have met so many amazing people over the past fourteen years that I have been playing, and for that I am so thankful.”

The mentality that Amelia has towards the game is her defining characteristic when she competes, “Probably my mentality, because I always give 100% effort and want to play the best I can so that my team can succeed. I see failure as an opportunity to learn, so this helps me to focus on what I can improve on rather than dwelling on the loss. I also have a short memory, so when I make a mistake during a game, I shake it off and move on.

The moments and experiences Amelia cherishes the most, “Getting to be a part of three different sports teams and making a lot of new friends throughout my four years at SPASH.”and believes improving the SPASH soccer program is a her defining career highlight, “Getting to play four years with my fellow seniors and having the opportunity to be a part of and see the turnaround of SPASH girls soccer.”

Amelia gives a shout-out to coaches and teammates who have helped her along the way during her time at SPASH: “Definitely my high school soccer coach, Bill Loss, and then my fellow soccer captains/seniors Anna Barden and Isabelle Stevens.”

“Overall, I am just so grateful for the opportunities that I have been provided with, and for all the people I have met here at SPASH.” Says Amelia, “ Playing sports has allowed me to grow mentally and push myself to be a better person and athlete.”