The standings may not reflect it, but in many ways, it has been a successful season for the Alta girls soccer team. 

As of Sept. 24, the Hawks were 5-9 overall and 4-6 in Region 6, sitting in fifth place. At this point, Alta had just two regular-season games remaining: Sept. 26 at Skyline and Oct. 1 at home against Highland. The Hawks were 9-9 a year ago and lost in the second round of the Class 5A state tournament to Clearfield. 

But Alta’s Lizzie Cowdell, a team leader and captain, has been pleased with her effort and with how hard her teammates have worked. 

“We haven’t won as many games as we have in the past year, but we have improved significantly as the season has progressed. I’m so proud of my team for the work and grit we put into every practice and game.”

Through 14 games, Cowdell had scored six goals and dished out seven assists. In her career, she has tallied 16 goals and 13 assists. However, she said “more importantly, I have strived to make the team come together and work as a team.”

Cowdell’s assist total led the team at this point, and her goal total was tied for second. Her greatest asset might be her leadership and attitude, which she has kept positive through the ups and downs of this challenging season and throughout her career. The junior midfielder also has good field vision and is fast on and off the ball. Though her time as a Hawk is almost over, she’s still working on aspects of her game. 

“I think I am always striving to play better defense,” she said. “I have a very offensive mind, so playing midfield during high school season has forced me to learn how to play both sides of the ball.”

For Cowdell, playing for Alta is about much more than wins and losses. She takes seriously her role as a leader and mentor. She also takes pride in wearing the Alta uniform. She said the Hawk players get along well in practice, during games and away from soccer, which makes the experience of playing together all the more satisfying. 

“I am a captain this year, and it has given me new opportunities to help the whole team and be a leader on and off the field,” she said. “My favorite thing about playing for Alta is representing my school and playing in front of my friends. I love the sisterhood and the saying ‘Once a Lady Hawk, always a Lady Hawk.’ I love being with my best friends every day doing the sport I love.”

Cowdell is a veteran soccer player, having first started playing at the young age of 3. Like many athletes, Cowdell became interested in playing because of the example of a family member. 

“I had watched my older sister Maggie, and I wanted to be like her and play like her one day,” she said.

When she’s on the field, Cowdell is focused on doing her job and helping her team win. Alta has won 37 games since Cowdell joined the squad. Still, nothing is more gratifying to her than forming friendships. 

“The things I enjoy most about soccer is all the memories and friendships I’ve gained over the years,” she said. “I have been on the same club team for 12 years, and I have gained a family through it, and I have gained my best friends throughout high school from being a Lady Hawk.”

Alta has a tough road ahead in the state tournament. At press time, the Hawks were ranked 15th in the 5A RPI rankings. If that number holds up, Alta would host a first-round game but then face higher-seeded teams if it were to advance. 

Win or lose, Cowdell intends to go out on the field doing her best every day. 

“I hope each player leaves this season with the love of Alta soccer and for their teammates,” she said. “My goal individually is to give my everything each game and get our team ready for playoffs.”

Region 6 has been a competitive league this season. Despite suffering six losses through 10 region games, the Hawks have held their own. Three of those defeats were by a single goal, while two more were two-point losses. Only one game got away from the Hawks: a 6-0 defeat at home to league-leading Olympus on Sept. 19. Alta followed that loss up with a 6-0 win at home over West, the largest margin of victory of the season for the Hawks. Cowdell had a goal and two assists in the triumph. Alta also erupted for five goals in a 5-4 win at East on Sept. 16. 

As Cowdell reflects on her career, she’s grateful for the many people who have influenced her and made her the person and player she is today. Cowdell credits teammates, coaches and family for their examples and encouragement. 

“My mentors throughout soccer have been Bella Woods and Ella Labrum (former Alta players),” she said. “They were absolutely amazing players, and I have always strived to play like them, especially when they played on Alta. Not only were they incredible players, but always felt like big sisters to me when I was a lower classman. I credit all my success and give all my gratitude to my club coaches Matt Bain and Courtney Smith, and also my high school coach Kenz Hyer. They have made me into the player I am today, and I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to play for them. Also, a shoutout to my family who have been my biggest supporters throughout my soccer career and have never missed a game.” λ