By Tyler Waldrep
Homewood varsity soccer player Anna Frierson has her sights set on the goals in front of her.
Frierson said she wants to play the sport she loves at the highest level, and she doesn’t want to disappoint herself by not putting in the work to get there.
“I just have to stay focused on what my goals are,” Frierson said. “Pretty much everything I do is around those goals.”
Some of her goals, such as earning a spot on Auburn University’s team when she graduates, already have been accomplished. Recently Frierson was able to check even more things off her list.
The National Soccer Coaches Association of America just selected Frierson to be on Alabama’s All-State team. She became the first Homewood girl to receive that honor in 10 years. She also recently was selected by the Alabama High School Athletic Association to participate in the annual North-South All-Star game on July 21.
Frierson’s coach at Homewood, Nathan Carlson, said he was not surprised with the attention Frierson has received recently. He said she always pushes herself to meet her own high expectations.
“She never has a day where she is lethargic or where her mind is someplace else,” Carlson said.
Frierson doesn’t just work hard during the regular season. During the off-season she practices and competes with a club team, Birmingham United ECNL (Elite Clubs National League), that brings together some of the state’s best players. Frierson said her experiences competing against other talented teams from around the country have challenged her to improve.
Not all of those challenges involve a soccer ball, though. With club games sometimes occurring in places such as Seattle and New York, Frierson does miss school. She said it can be tough to catch up with her studies, but all of the hard work is worth it in the end.
Her efforts seem to be paying off. Frierson said she was honored by both selections, and she is looking forward to playing alongside some of her club teammates in the North-South game.
“I think getting more playing time is great,” Frierson said. “I get to play against some of the best players that play high school soccer in Alabama, which is pretty awesome.”
Carlson said that he remembers when, in his opinion, Frierson earned those honors. He said her play’s “fluid creativity” and “grace” took control of what ultimately became a 1-0 loss to Spain Park.
“Even players on the other team and parents from Spain Park were kind of oohing and ahhing as she was completely tricking people out,” Carlson said. “She had her way with them. There was nothing they could do to stop her. Every time she got the ball, she made people look foolish.”
That loss doesn’t have to be a defining moment of Frierson’s Homewood career. She said she wants to come back even better next year. One of her goals is to help her team have more success in the post season.
Carlson said he thinks Frierson’s example can help Homewood soccer even after she leaves. Her senior year could give future girls a visible standard going forward.
“Anna’s kind of (an) inspiration for future Homewood soccer players,” Carlson said. “(Having one more year) allows her to solidify a legacy.”
