Standout Utica Senior Leads Girls Soccer Team

To say that Rachel Chaney is fiercely competitive would be an understatement.

"Rachel has an edge," Utica girls varsity coach Dave Moran said.  "She is one of the most competitive girls I've ever coached.  She takes losing personally.  Having said that though, she is also a very funny young lady with a good sense of humor."

It's that competitive passion that drives the Utica senior at center midfield, a position she's held for four years at Swinehart Field.

"Rachel is the motor that makes us go," said Moran.  "She is that noticeable of a player on the field."

The Macomb Area Conference white division team is currently 1-2-1 overall, a good start considering they've played an aggressive pre-league schedule against four red division opponents.

In the team's first two games against Grosse Pointe North and Ford, Chaney had three goals and three assists.

"Rachel has quick feet, but what makes her great is her explosive speed with the ball," said Moran.  "She will cut you and be gone before you even realize it."

Western Michigan University is the lucky recipient of her signature and she will continue her academic and soccer career in Kalamazoo in the fall.

Chaney and the Chieftains start league play on Monday at Lamphere.