Senior midfielder Sadee DePriest has been part of Neosho High School’s soccer fabric for most of her life, and she plays every match with family and legacy in mind.
DePriest, a senior whose favorite class is history, started playing soccer at age 7 and quickly fell in love with the game’s demands. She said she draws her inspiration from her uncle, Joshua, who pushed her to chase every goal with determination and purpose. “I’m inspired and motivated by my uncle Joshua, who taught me to pursue any goal with determination,” DePriest said. “I play to make my family proud, importantly my mother and grandmother.”
On the field, DePriest patrols the midfield, a role she considers the toughest on the pitch. “I feel that the midfield is the most challenging position because it requires you to attack and defend at the right times, along with lots of counter pressing and the most running,” she said. That responsibility has sharpened her soccer IQ while reinforcing lessons in discipline and teamwork. “Soccer has taught me discipline and that success requires teamwork,” DePriest said.
DePriest looks up to U.S. star Alex Morgan, admiring both her skill and humility. “I have played since I was seven and look up to Alex Morgan because she is a talented and humble soccer player and a good role model for any female athlete,” DePriest said. She also finds daily inspiration in a teammate, Yoselyn Ramos. “I look up to my teammate Yoselyn Ramos because she is always lifting teammates up with her positive attitude, showing great perseverance, and is always humble,” she said.
For DePriest, the best part of Neosho soccer has been the relationships built along the way. “Being a part of the team has allowed me to gain friendships, learn and grow in my soccer abilities, learn to be a leader and develop mentally,” she said. Away from the field, she recharges by baking and spending time outdoors, balance that helps her bring energy and leadership to the Wildcats each day.
