Kayla Karnes '24 Recruiting Profile

Many of the players on this page are coming here for the same common goal, to play college soccer. I, too, have those same aspirations, and have since I was a child. The author Mark Twain once said, "that the two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you figure out why."  At the young age of 16, I can honestly say my "why" undoubtedly includes soccer.  Being a 2024 GK, the soccer field brings me peace in a world full of chaos, and it calms my soul. Ironic, huh? Most people probably wouldn't agree being that the soccer field is loud and GKs can sometimes take a beating, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's my happy place, and it makes me who I am. 

Playing soccer has also given me the courage to pursue a degree in Nursing. I have such a passion for helping others, and children, I do it on the field and off. In my spare time, I assist with younger children and give them private lessons to help guide them and nurture them to love soccer as much as I do. 

In such a short time, I have been blessed and worked hard to achieve several goals. One of those goals was to be selected for the All-District and All-Regional team. I am happy to say I achieved that goal this year, and even elected for All-Valley as the only sophomore goalie this past spring season. Working with children or speaking with family, I explain that knowing your "WHY" gives you motivation to push harder, to set achievable goals, and strive to better yourself day in and day out, to remain a team player, to sacrifice, to communicate, and to put in the work even when you don't want to.  BUT the joy in all of it is knowing your "WHY" makes the work easy, because it's what you're meant to do. 

Soccer is my why, and knowing that keeps me pushing for more and continuing to reach for those stars to obtain a college commitment as a women's soccer collegiate GK.