Amaia Stephens is a forward and winger on the Moore High School soccer team.

She loves to play the sport and knows that it takes a lot to be at the top of her game, but for her, she has seen the fruits of her labor.

“It has taken a lot of time, dedication, and sacrifices to be where I am today,” she said.

“Missing out on other stuff in my life going to practice or going to a game but, honestly, I don’t regret any of that it was all worth it. I am looking forward to continuing my athletic and academic career at Northeastern State University on a scholarship in Tahlequah.”

In her senior year, along with playing soccer, Amaia also runs track and sprints. She is proud to be able to be a representation of the community that is important to her.

“Being born and raised in Moore, I love representing my school and my community, it
honestly means everything to me. When I play I’m not only playing for me, but I’m playing for my teammates, coaches, and the whole community.”

Stephens says that with all the work she has put in, she would not have been able to
accomplish what she has without a couple of people.

“One of my biggest role models is my club coach Shana Gulikers because she has been my coach for the past six years and has helped make me into the player I am today,” Amaia said. “She also played soccer at a high level and I am also going to do that. Kylie Clark is one of my teammates and I enjoy working with her in practice. She is a defender and I am a forward, so we always go up against each other. She has a high soccer IQ and definitely gives me a hard time trying to beat her. We are both so aggressive against each other and we always have a good time.”

While she and her teammates go up against a number of different teams on the soccer field,

Amaia has one team that she likes to compete against the most.

“An opponent I enjoy beating most would be Choctaw High School because they do not make it easy and they are very aggressive and a good team.”