Ed. Note: The weekly summer series continues this week as a key returning Bethel athlete is featured.

Over the years, the Bethel girls’ soccer team has nearly always competed near the top of the Cross County Conference. Battling for league titles is no stranger to the Bees, as coach Dru Bescoe and his squad will be gearing up again soon to take the field in a battle for the championship.

In order to do that, you will need leaders and Bethel has a leader, who Bescoe says that title fits Maggie Kahler well.

Kahler, who along with Olivia Rust will be heavily counted upon for their leadership this season, returns for her senior year. The Bees standout, who also is on the Bethel swim team, has been working toward what she hopes will be her best season yet.

“I play soccer and I swim, and I started playing soccer because both my older siblings participated in the sport and they encouraged me to play at a very young age,” Kahler said. “I started swimming out of interest in a new sport and everything that it was about. My parents have always encouraged participating in sports and that there are so many benefits to be gained.”

While winning is a key part of her makeup, she also enjoys the whole process of playing for the Bees.

“Playing soccer at my high school has many highlights and memories, including getting to start my freshman year and every year following, scoring off of a corner kick, team dinners, bus rides, and games under the lights,” she said.

As she progressed through high school, she started to make a bigger name for herself, which forced her to get better every year.

“In the off season I continue running to keep in shape,” she said. “Running helps with swimming and swimming helps with staying in shape for soccer. In the spring I play on a club soccer team, the Warriors.”

“I am determined to improve my shooting and fast decisions with the ball. I am working on gaining more power and accuracy.”

Kahler, who received honorable mention all-conference and third-team all-Miami Valley is hoping her offseason work not only pays off for her, but more importantly for her team.

“I am hoping that (we) win the conference and better our record from the previous year,” Kahler said. I want it to be a fun year and one to remember.” As for her future in the game, she hasn’t decided on what path she is taking.

“I am undecided about my future in sports but I am definitely going to finish all four years of high school playing soccer and swimming,” Kahler said. “Playing soccer in college would be a cool opportunity but I am not sure if it is what I want to do as of right now.”

Outside of sports, Kahler is also in National Honor Society, while her future college plans include possible physical therapy.

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First Group 2x2
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