Sports Reporter
Kaitlynn Holt achieved success on the soccer field at a very young age. However, she had no idea how much she would accomplish at CMU.
“College-level sports are a completely different level of competition,” Holt said. “But throughout all the hardship and trials, soccer is something that I still have a lot of passion for.”
Holt, a student-athlete at CMU, transferred from Hawaii after a year at Manaoa University. She came here for the small campus and welcoming Colorado residents, and the experiences she has gained are more than she imagined.
“D1 sports are so different from D2,” Holt said. “I wanted a fresh start.”
At age four, Holt was influenced to play soccer by her parents and older sister.
In high school, Holt competed in an Olympic Development Program, an upper-level traveling squad that raises the level of competition for talented high school players.
“I eventually made the ODP Costa Rican team when I was in high school,” Holt said. ”That was one of the best experiences I could have ever asked for as an athlete.”
Holt never expected to continue playing throughout college.
“I had so many good experiences in high school and I didn’t always see myself playing in college,” Holt said. “I feel like collegiate sports are something every athlete should experience.”
As the women’s soccer team advanced to the NCAA tournament this year, Holt was happily surprised by the team’s result.
“We have a great group of girls,” Holt said. “There were definitely little mistakes here and there, but we were so excited just to be there.”
Holt earned her fair share of playing time this season. As left wing, she scored three goals, including two game-winners.
“I reached all of my goals for this season,” Holt said. “I grew as a player, and I quickly learned coming into college soccer.”
Though the team was eliminated from the NCAA tournament after losing their first match, it proved to be a learning experience for everyone.
“There is definitely room for growth on our team,” said Holt. “But it was an honor to be there, and I’m really proud of us.”
cosborn@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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