Although American football is the most popular sport in the United States, the ascent of soccer has been a rising presence in the athletic industry. With the popularity of the sport growing in anticipation of the next year’s World Cup in the Americas, so many new soccer clubs, teams, and youth leagues have grown throughout the country. This surge makes the game even more advanced and competitive, from the professional leagues to high school soccer teams. After last year’s deep run into the playoffs, ending with the Highlanders taking home second place in the State Championships, Lael Hill’s, grade 12, success did not stop after the post season run. After helping lead the Highlanders to a state runner-up finish last season, Lael’s growth on and off the field has been undeniable, as Hill was named Orlando Sentinel’s “Girls High School Region Player of the Year.” Later that summer she would publicly announce her commitment to the University of Florida. However, how is Lael going to approach this high school season? What has she done to be ready to take the field one last time in her Lake Highland career?
After the most intense summer, Hill’s schedule was full of training, tournaments, and completing Outdoor Odyssey, becoming a member of Dara. Hill now returns to her Senior year as one of the team’s captains for the 2025-2026 season. While Lael has her eyes set on her future playing Division 1 soccer in the Southeastern Conference, Lael has set her focus this season on winning the State Championship. In preparation for this season, Hill spent the summer with her club team traveling and competing in tournaments against some of the best teams in the state, as well as some players she would see again when it comes time for high school soccer season. As well as competing in various tournaments throughout the summer, Hill also became a member of Dara and completed the Outdoor Odyssey Leadership Academy, where she learned not just how to push her physical limits but push herself to be the best leader she can be with the help of her pink platoon.
Now Lake Highland’s star midfielder is bringing more than just her incredible skills to the field but also the competitive spirit and leadership that she learned up in the mountains. The Outdoor Odyssey program was an intense and physical outdoor mentor-driven program that helped build confidence, leadership skills, resilience, and decision-making skills under pressure, with one’s platoon, in the hopes of creating better leaders through shared adversity. Not only did the program challenge Hill mentally and physically, but it also allowed her to leave the mountain with not just a better sense of her physical skill, but also her mental skill as a leader.
Shortly after announcing her commitment to play college soccer at the Division 1 level in the Southeastern Conference for the University of Florida, many people wondered what made Hill choose Florida. Hill felt a strong connection with the program and also saw a strong sense of promise. As she looks forward to her first year playing collegiate soccer, Hill will have to settle for cheering on her future teammates from the stands as she focuses on this upcoming club and high school season. Although Hill still believes she can learn a lot not just about her teammates from watching them this season, but also learn new ways to elevate her game to make her even more prepared for her collegiate debut.
After her summer adventures were over, Hill wasted no time getting ready for this season. She quickly got back to work, training for this upcoming year with a fresh mindset and new goals in sight. With early morning training sessions, technical training out on the field, weight training, and plenty of conditioning, Hill has perfectly prepared herself to be the best leader she can be on the field, while also being able to push and motivate her teammates through practices. With her newfound leadership skills and confidence through her past seasons’ experience, Hill is ready to help guide her teammates and help set the tone not just in tryouts and practices but for this season. With her undeniable determination and hours of training in preparation for this season, Hill has established a strong system that previews an incredible season ahead.
With more than just her last season of high school soccer ahead of her, Lael has her future at the University of Florida to anticipate. But she will always have her teammates and coaches behind her supporting her every step of the way as she is ready to write the last chapter of the Lake Highland soccer career. Lael looks to finish her own story with a perfect State Championship ending. So this soccer season, come out to the CNL Stadium to watch not only Lake Highland’s girls soccer team, but also to catch star midfielder Lael Hill take the pitch for her Senior season, ready to bring Lake Highland another State Championship.
