High school girls soccer MVPs knew how to fill up a net

It was that ability that led Thomas to the 4A MVP in helping lead Orem to the school's first state championship. She was instrumental all year but even more so during the playoffs. She scored all four of her team's goals in its first-round win over Mountain Crest and tallied both assists in a two-goal win over Dixie.

"She was huge for us in getting the title," added Louder. "She was able to do the things for us just when we needed it, and even if she wasn't getting the goal or assist, her play helped to open things up for her teammates anyway."

Thomas scored 15 goals on the season and led the classification with her four goals in the playoffs. She did it playing mainly in the midfield, meaning she was adept at making runs up the wing at just the right times.

Thomas will continue her play next season when she takes her game just up the freeway to Utah Valley University.

3A: Tara Gehring, Wasatch

Tara Gehring set a record this past season for the Wasatch soccer team. She was the Wasps' best player, scoring a record-breaking 25 goals and adding 11 assists for a team that was the most consistent in the classification. Her six goals in the playoffs were the most for any 3A player. Even though the Wasps fell just short of the championship, Gehring's play stood out.

"Tara just has an amazing field presence," said coach Dawain Wheatley. "She was so good at knowing what was happening and where to position herself to be in the right spots all the time. For someone that doesn't play soccer full time, she displayed an amazing touch on the ball."

Gehring is an unusual player to be so dominant. She plays soccer only part of the year, with the rest of her time focused on basketball. She played in the center midfield position, and just like a point guard on the court, knew when it was necessary to pass or shoot the ball.

"I wonder just how good she would be if she played all the time," Wheatley said. "Her feel was outstanding. Maybe the basketball helped her to know what teammates were going to do and what she could do to get them the ball in the right spots, but I would certainly like to see her continue her soccer career somewhere."

2A: Lauren Babcock,

Rowland Hall

Lauren Babcock was a threat to score anytime she touched the soccer ball. The junior forward scored 18 goals, but even more than that, her presence on the field made opponents adjust and opened things up for the state champs from Rowland Hall.

"She was a big-time player," said coach Jamie Wilhite. "She almost always drew the other team's best marking defender, and sometimes she would have two or even three people trying to stop her. Even with all that attention, she still found a way to get goals and assists."