Montezuma-Cortez High School is sending another girls soccer player to college.
It is the second commitment this year. Its also the second signing to the inaugural womens soccer program at Otero Junior College in La Junta.
Senior captain midfielder Baylee Lindsley will join Lady Panthers teammate Ellen Koppenhafer on the Rattlers this fall.
Achieving a college soccer scholarship has always been a goal of Lindsleys.
Its always been my dream to play college ball, she said. I kind of figured out that I might not get a lot of playing time at a four-year college. I went and visited Otero, and everyone was really nice and I really liked it. I think I have a better chance of getting playing time at a two-year (school). Hopefully, Ill get better, and transfer and maybe play for a four-year.
Rattlers coach Donny Ribaudo recruited Lindsley for a midfielder spot, but she may also see time at striker. Ribaudo is assisted by Amanda McMullan.
Ive always had a guy soccer coach and then had a girl coach that I can go to. Thats exactly how they are, said Lindsley about the OJC coaching staff.
Lady Panthers first-year coach Nate Ross has helped guide Lindsley all four years at M-CHS, the first three seasons as an assistant. Ross feels the opportunity for Lindsley to play college soccer is well deserved.
Baylee is going to be a good fit at Otero. Shes got great skill, Ross said. Its just always exciting to see another kid go and try their luck at the next level. Shes going to do well playing two years there. After two years, she can choose to transfer to a four-year school. Baylee is one of those kids that her work ethic and her drive is what got her to this point. Its going to keep her excelling at that next level.
Lindsley also looks at playing for an upstart program at OJC as a major opportunity.
Im really excited to be apart of it, she said.
Lindsley is thrilled to be able to continue playing alongside Koppenhafer.
Im super excited that Ellens going there. Weve played together since we were tiny, she said. It will be nice having someone I know there. It will be cool.
Ross senior captain is primarily a defensive specialist, but Lindsley can torch the net, too. She scored four goals as a junior and had two goals in one game against Fruita Monument on April 20. Lindsley is among multiple Lady Panthers within the last few years to play soccer in college.
I want to thank the coaches a lot. Without them, I probably wouldnt be playing soccer. I probably wouldnt want to go on to the next level, Lindsley said about the M-CHS coaching staff. Seeing my former seniors play at the next level, made me just want it that much more.
In addition to possibly playing soccer at a four-year college, Lindsley will transfer to a four-year institution to complete her bachelors degree in physical therapy.
The OJC girls soccer team will play its first season in Region IX of the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Baylee is the daughter of Brian and Kristi Lindsley.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.