Kristina Melen '20 Recruiting Profile

My name is Kristina Melén and reside in Frisco, TX.  

I was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. My parents are Mary and Henrik Melén.  My mother is American and my father is a naturalized citizen from Sweden.  I am fortunate to be a dual citizen and enjoy spending time in both countries.  

I moved to Frisco, Texas when I was 3 years old.  Shortly there after, I began playing soccer at the Frisco Youth Soccer Association.  While playing for the Blue Bonnets I found a sport that I loved.  At the age of 6 I had the wonderful opportunity to play Academy Soccer and I joined the Dallas Texans Soccer Club.   Since that time I have enjoyed playing Division 1 soccer and ECNL.

I have thoroughly enjoyed playing High School Soccer at John Paul II High School in Plano, TX.  I have been the starting attacking midfielder for the last 2 years and am hoping to continue in that position for my Junior and Senior years.  We had a great season last year, culminating in our appearance at the TAPPS Division 1-5A Championship Finals.  It was a great season!  I scored 11 Goals 10 assists and had my sister in goal!  Who could ask for more!

I am a very kind and caring person.  I struggled in my young years of soccer due to my size, I grew early and was always the tallest on the team, by a LOT!   I would get opportunities, like a breakaway, and other girls would run into me and fall...I would always stop to help them up!  When I was 8, my mom told me to "be kind, but if you have the ball and someone falls down, it was probably okay to go to goal and check on them after the referee blew the whistle". LOL!  Due to this, and the 03 age group being fairly petite, I eventually moved up to the 00 age group so that I could keep my intensity and physical play up to speed.  This challenge forced me to work hard, be tough and use skill to win, not my size.  

I strive to lead my teammates in a positive way.  I want them to be the best they can be.  I love playing both striker and attacking mid because I am just as capable of scoring as delivering the amazing pass.  I try to be encouraging, lead by example, and to build them up at the moments we need it the most.  I really believe that positivity builds success and a little kindness goes a very, very long way!