Willette helps Panthers
return to contenders
By DAVID McLAUGHLIN
Correspondent
Megan Willette fit nicely into the lineup two years ago when the Waterville Senior High School girls soccer team was one of the best in the state. When the majority of that team graduated, it took Willette and her teammates a while to adjust.
This fall, the Purple Panthers were back near the top of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference and Willette was a major reason why. The junior striker scored 24 goals and added 18 assists as Waterville posted a 10-1-3 regular-season record in the state's toughest Class A conference.
For her efforts, Willette has been named Morning Sentinel's Soccer Player of the Year. Also considered were Willette's teammate, Andrea Trinward, Chelsea Thibeault of Messalonskee High School and Lisa Gibson of Skowhegan Area High School.
"I am really surprised," Willette said. "The success our team had this season was not just one person. It was because of the support we gave each other on and off the field."
Willette's main support came from Trinward who did not play a year ago but returned this season, causing opponents serious marking problems in the front. Trinward finished with 14 goals -- many coming off assists from Willette.
"Andrea and I hit it off right from the beginning," Willette said. "We played very well together."
Willette's team-first attitude proved just as important as her 24 goals, a fact recognized by her teammates as well as her opponents.
"Megan is definitely a team player," Cony High School girls soccer coach Sean Davis said. "She has played with our kids in indoor leagues and they love having her on their team."
Her successful freshman season drew opposing defenses to Willette last year and it took a while to deal with the added attention. This season, she used that to her advantage. When the defense closed on her, she passed, when it fell off, she shot.
"What a star," Waterville coach Rick Jones. said. "Other teams always are putting two or three people on her and she works so hard to make things happen the right way."
Willette doesn't shy away from competition either and continually tries to make herself a better player in a number of different sports. Last spring, she played for six indoor soccer teams, including one from Cony, ran track for the Purple Panthers and played AAU basketball.
"The more you play the better you get," she said. "I want to learn and I have fun doing that."
Playing since she was 4, soccer has always afforded her a place to get away and enjoy herself. Willette says she enjoys practices and games because she can get out on the field and play.
"I look forward to practice every day and I leave with a smile on my face," she said. "It is a place to forget everything and just play."
The daughter of Bob and Sue Willette of Waterville, Megan is an honor student who plans on attending college and playing soccer after she graduates from Waterville next year.
Copyright © 2003 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.