One of my biggest strengths is being able to see the full field and I think that will benefit the Waubonsee team because I can play wherever I’m needed to and I can see the field wherever I am.”

Makayla Lara

ROCHELLE — With over 75 goals and 20 assists to her name, senior midfielder Makayla Lara has cemented herself as one of the most accomplished players in the history of the Rochelle Lady Hub soccer program. A three-time All-Interstate 8 honoree at RTHS, Lara has committed to continuing her academics and her soccer career at Waubonsee Community College next year.

“I have a friend who played there and graduated as a sophomore this year,” Lara said. “She let them know about me and then I scheduled a visit there. I felt a connection with their coach right away and I liked the way he spoke about their program. It’s a program I’d like to be a part of and they take things quite seriously. I’m looking forward to having fun and I want to continue playing for as long as I can. It’s my passion and the program is something I really want to be a part of.”

Lara is in her fourth year as a starter for the Lady Hubs. Lara, who has played midfield and forward during her high school career, became an immediate contributor as a freshman, when she led Rochelle with 24 goals and six assists and was named an All-Interstate 8 Honorable Mention. Lara ascended to being an All-Interstate 8 First Team honoree during her sophomore season, when she scored 22 goals and dished out four assists during a seven-win campaign.

“One of my biggest strengths is being able to see the full field and I think that will benefit the Waubonsee team because I can play wherever I’m needed to and I can see the field wherever I am. I’m going to work my hardest and stay determined the whole time. Playing at Rochelle has helped me come out and be myself more and I’m hoping that I can do that at Waubonsee.”

Despite a tough junior season in which the Lady Hubs managed only three wins, Lara once again led Rochelle with nine goals and eight assists to earn an All-Interstate 8 Honorable Mention for the second time in her career. Now a senior, Lara is on track to post a career best for goals in a season as the Lady Hubs (8-14, 2-8 Interstate 8) approach the 10-win mark. Lara, who currently has a team-leading 24 goals and four assists during her senior season this spring, said she intends to study kinesiology in order to pursue a career as a physical therapist.

“I feel like I’ve matured a lot, especially with my communication,” Lara said. “It’s easier for me to communicate now and I’ve learned different ways of communicating. I’ve learned that people take things in different ways and I think that understanding how everybody thinks is a good thing to know. I want to improve anywhere I can and I want to be the best version of myself.”