Senior girls soccer captain Melanie Tramo started her high school soccer career on JV as a freshman. Her hard work over the course of three years has landed her a leadership position that will help her grow in years to come.
“I still remember the first day of soccer preseason my freshman year,” Tramo said. “I didn’t say a word the whole time, I was so nervous.”
Since then, Tramo grew, not only as a soccer player, but also as a person. She learned how important it is to work as part of a team.
“You have to trust yourself and trust that your teammates will have your back, but most importantly, you have to work hard,” Tramo said. “That’s the source of my success and how I grew into my captain’s role.”
Having played soccer since she was a toddler, Tramo knows the game, and her coaches notice that quality.
“Melanie came in as a solid freshman,” head coach David Kirschemann said. “She was always a good soccer player.”
Despite her skill, Tramo played on the JV team her freshman year, where she was a superstar. On the field she dominated, however, one thing was missing.
“She had to work on her leadership skills and communication,” Kirschemann said. “She needed to come out of her shell.”
During the following seasons to come, Tramo did just that. During her junior year, she was awarded the Coach’s Award, which is given to someone who demonstrates exceptional leadership and strong commitments to the team.
“She was a natural leader on the defense, and she had this unrelenting toughness to her,” Kirschenmann said.
In her junior season, Tramo had to play in both the midfield and the defense while her team was sorting through formations. Not only did she receive the Coach’s Award, but she was also named Second Team All-Conference.
“It was a huge honor,” Tramo said. “When I think back to the shy freshman I was, I am shocked at who I’ve become.”
In her senior year, Tramo has only gotten better. In a recent loss, Tramo fell on her hand weirdly. She got right back up and played the whole game. It turned out Melanie had fractured her growth plate.
Tramo has truly grown into her leadership role, just like Kirschenmann had hoped.
“She is a great player and an even better teammate,” senior goalkeeper Ally Moschberger said. “Mel is like the glue of our team.”
Despite her injury, Tramo remains dedicated to the sport and the team.
“The best thing you can be as an athlete is a team player,” Tramo said. “You play for the team, no matter what.”
