A Rising Star

By Jada Mendez 

Earlier this year, Mya Townes became one of the first freshmen to be invited to the U15 Women’s National Team Training Camp in Chula Vista, California. 

At the young age of four year old, Townes developed a passion for playing soccer and participating in sports. Her family is very sports-oriented an

News that there would be an establishment of the first annual U15 Women’s National Team Training Camp was announced in late 2020. Thirty-six talented players from around the country would be called to train with each other in Southern California, with head coach Katie Schoepfer as of November 2021. The training camp took place from January 16 to January 23 at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.

“I was thrilled to have an opportunity to work with others, meet other elite athletes, and perform my best,” Townes said. “My experience was amazing, and I feel that I was treated very well throughout the process.” 

Throughout the course of her invite, Townes was able to pick up on several valuable lessons and skills that will benefit her in the future of her athletic career. As one may assume, being presented with this opportunity was an immense honor. Oftentimes, elite athletes are not able to be challenged on the same levels as the average athlete. That being said, this opportunity challenged many of Townes’ skills.

“Mya has had some tough losses and injuries,” her mother Leisha Townes said. “We just tell her that God gives his toughest battles to the strongest soldiers; nothing happens that you can’t get through.” 

As mentioned previously, Townes comes from a heavily sports-oriented family. Her whole life has revolved around sports, ranging from soccer, to track ,to basketball. She even made it to being eighth in the nation for an event in her track career when she was eleven years old. There have been times in the past where Townes has faced adversity, however, she has not let that stop her from being the best at what she does. From friends to family to even strangers, Mya has had a wide range of support throughout her athletic career. 

“{Sports} keeps her motivated in every aspect of her life and it helps her advocate for herself,” Townes said. “As a young teenager, she has a very professional attitude towards adults and coaches, which has helped her develop life skills.”

Even before her time at this training camp, Mya has served as a role model to those around her. Not only is she a dedicated athlete, she is an outstanding student. She is always open to learning about new aspects of life. She gives credit to her older sister, senior Madison Townes, who she looks up to the most. 

“I learned a lot about myself and my abilities,” Townes said. “I realized that when you are playing at such a high level, you are able to give yourself credit for your hard work.” 

It is no secret that Mya is the definition of an individual who is going to excel at life. Her dedication, commitment, and support system is what crafted her to be the standout athlete she is today. While she has participated in other sports, soccer has always had a different effect on her. Unlike basketball and track, soccer has been the sport that Mya has stuck to for a majority of her life. 

“Soccer is a team sport and is about who can work well with others,” Mya said. “I love the aspect that even without being in the spotlight, I can help others be in the same spotlight.” 

In the Spring of 2022, Mya and her sister, Madison, will join the JCHS Varsity girls soccer team. This will be the first time that the Townes sisters will contribute to the team. Although she is only a freshman, Mya has many goals for the future, including working her way to be invited to more opportunities like this.

“Stanford University is my dream school because of the campus, soccer, program, and academics,” Mya said. “My favorite soccer player, Christen Press, attended soccer there as well.”