High school soccer: MVPs share same goal: help team succeed

To see the all 17 previous Deseret News All-State Girls Soccer teams, click here.

Usually a rule of thumb in high school sports dictates that players need a year or two of seasoning before they can expect to play a big role for their varsity team. But such a formula did not apply to any of the Deseret News MVP selections for the 2008 girls soccer season.

Though every MVP is at a different stage of their soccer career, each shares a common bond in the fact that they contributed to their team's success almost from the moment they began playing high school soccer.

5A: Natalie Norris, Alta

Natalie Norris never expected to fill a key defensive role as a freshman. The whole experience of being inserted into the starting lineup at such an early juncture was equal parts startling and overwhelming.

"You're playing against seniors who are bigger, faster and stronger," Norris said. "And you're playing with seniors who are bigger, faster and stronger and relying on you to hold up your end of the stick."

Whatever rumblings of terror Norris felt soon became muted as she realized her coaches and teammates had confidence in her ability. And her role slowly grew until Norris became practically indispensable by her senior season.

When Norris became a defensive anchor, the unit took on elements of her personality — which was a good thing.

Hawks coach Lee Mitchell said Norris could tackle any defensive assignment because of her determination to get the job done. And that factor earned her playing time right away.

"If you asked her to do something, it was done," Mitchell said. "If I told her to stay with someone, (even) when she was a freshman, she would be on them like a pest the whole game."

Norris began her final year at Alta by moving from left back to sweeper, a position she played on her Sparta United club team.

In her younger years, Norris experimented with playing at forward and midfield. But she eventually found she preferred being on the backline to anything else. It played to her natural abilities.

"For me personally, I enjoy reading the game," Norris said. "You can read it better as a defender because you see everything in front of you."

Norris will leave for Utah State having contributed to three consecutive state title runs. One of the sweetest memories she will take with her is seeing how the defense she led came together down the stretch.