Camper Spotlight: Megan Looney
2017 Anibaba Skills Camp participant, Megan Looney is our very first Camper Spotlight feature. She was a standout player at camp; her wide range of skills, versatility and tenacious work ethic continue to serve her well as she turns heads on the big stage. Looney’s success with the No. 1 nationally ranked Davis High School women’s varsity program is well worth an in-depth look. Only a sophomore, she solidified a crucial role for the team; in the most important match of the season, the Sac-Joaquin Section championship, she scored the game winning goal against Granite Bay. Her goal lifted DHS to its fourth straight section title, making her the perfect member of the Davis community to spotlight.
What age did you start playing soccer?
“I’ve been playing soccer for as long as I can remember. I started Davis Legacy at age 8 and I had been previously been playing AYSO.”
What is your favorite position?
“I don’t have a preferred position. I really enjoy outside back, being able to make runs from behind as well as defend. I also enjoy defensive midfield (6), being able to contribute in the middle. Connecting passes from one side to another has really improved my game.”
How many positions can you play?
“I can play every position except for goal keeper. For club I play defensive midfield, outside back, and center back. For this year’s high school team I have been playing attacking winger and center forward.”
What has playing multiple positions done for your game and why do you think it’s important for developing players to be able to play multiple positions?
“Playing multiple positions has given me the opportunity to discover what I can do as a player. In the past, I have not been comfortable to go 1v1, but being an outside forward has put me in more situations where I am forced to and I have improved so much in that area. Being comfortable in many positions widens a player’s technical and mental ability. In every position a player can practice new things. You are placed in different situations that can benefit your play as a whole. In addition, playing multiple positions gets you opportunities for more playing time on the field.”
What was the most challenging aspect of adapting to the Varsity game after playing JV last year?
“This being my first year on varsity, it has been a big change. I’d say the biggest challenge has been being comfortable with the fast play. Playing with such good players on the high school team was pretty intimidating in the beginning of the season. Everyone plays quick passes and has quick touches. But as we continued through the season I became more comfortable.”
Overall, how do you think the Varsity season went, both individually and collectively?
“This year has been such an amazing experience. Being able to play with such great teammates and getting so far in our season has been so exciting.”
Can you walk us through your Section Title winning goal?
“My goal in the section final was definitely a team goal. Paige Rubinstein got the ball, dribbled through a defender, and gave me a beautiful ball over the defensive line. I made my run behind the defender, brought it out of the air, and touched it past the keeper.”
How did it feel to score such an important goal that means so much to the program and the city of Davis?
“Scoring that goal was so exciting. At that moment I felt like I made my team proud. That’s all that really mattered. Contributing to winning section champs made the win that much more satisfying.”
What advice would you give to young aspiring DHS stars?
“My advice for those who want to play DHS soccer, football, field hockey, really any sport, is to work hard. Work as hard as your dreams take you and I promise, that hard work will pay off.”
