Jonathan Alder High School senior Katie Hooley recently signed to continue her soccer career at Huntington University. Pictured from the left in the front row are father Bruce, Hooley, mother Sheri and sister Lexee; back row, Todd Banks (Hooley’s club team coach), Phil Rathgeb (former JA assistant coach), Matt Evans (former JA head coach), Nate Byrum (Alder head coach), Nichole Ausback (Alder assistant coach), Tim Ausback (Alder assistant coach) and David Lewis (Huntington University head coach). (Photo submitted)
Jonathan Alder High School senior Katie Hooley has decided where she will continue her soccer career on the collegiate level.
Hooley recently signed to play at Huntington University.
The NAIA school is located in Huntington, Ind.
“I chose Huntington because Coach (David) Lewis is so encouraging,” said Hooley. “I trust that he will make me a better soccer player and a better person.
“I love how he incorporates faith into soccer and draws his players closer to Christ,” she said. “He has a vision for the soccer program that I cannot wait to be a part of. I also loved the welcoming small-town atmosphere of the school and its Christ-centered values.”
Hooley stated she considered several other schools before making her final decision.
Those institutions included Spring Arbor University in Michigan, Indiana Wesleyan University and Cedarville University.
Hooley has been among the leaders of the Jonathan Alder girls program for the past four years. She tallied 62 goals and 20 assists during her career.
She hopes to continue that trend at the next level.
“I hope to make a positive impact on the Huntington women’s soccer program,” she said. “The program is building, so I hope to help the team become more successful in the upcoming years.
“ I also hope to be an encouraging and supportive teammate and to build lifelong friendships with my future teammates.”
Hooley said it has always been her goal to play college soccer.
“I have so much fun playing soccer and I love being able to invest in my teammates,” she said. “Playing in college gives me the opportunity to continue doing these things.”
Hooley has high expectations for this next chapter of her life.
“I know that being a part of the Huntington women’s soccer team will be a rewarding experience,” she said. “I will make friends who love Christ as much as I do and incorporate their faith into every aspect of their life.
“I think my coachability, communication skills and determination will help me succeed at the next level,” said Hooley. “Huntington’s philosophy that athletics are a form of worship makes the sport that much more important to me.
“I will grow in my faith and be challenged to become more like Jesus,” said Hooley. “I also expect to make a difference in the team’s athletic accomplishments. This team is on its way to the top and I can’t wait to be a part of the journey.”
Katie Hooley of Jonathan Alder prepares to send the ball toward the net for a goal. Hooley will play collegiate soccer at Huntington University. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)