GALT, CA (MPG) - In the high-pressure position of goalkeeper, where mistakes are magnified and success often goes unnoticed, Kylee Chapman found her calling. The Galt High School senior’s exceptional performance between the posts has earned her the prestigious title of Female Athlete of the Year, capping a historic season for Warriors girls’ soccer.

Chapman, who allowed just four goals during league play her senior year, helped lead the Warriors to their first league championship since the program’s inception in the 1990s. Her stellar performance in goal was instrumental in making school history.

“I am most proud of receiving the SVC MVP award my senior year for soccer,” Chapman said in a recent interview, reflecting on her numerous accolades that include being named Sierra Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and earning All-League honors all four years of her high school career.

Chapman’s journey in soccer began at age 4, inspired by watching her older sister play. 

“Since then, I’ve grown to love the sport more and more and it’s become a huge part of my life,” she explained.

At Galt High, Chapman was a four-year varsity starter in soccer, serving as team captain during both her junior and senior seasons. She also played volleyball for four years – two on junior varsity and two on varsity – and spent one season on the JV softball team. Her senior year, she added volleyball captain to her leadership responsibilities.

Galt Athletic Director John Van Den Raadt described Chapman as the complete student-athlete.

“Kylee Chapman was our female athlete of the year. She was a four-year varsity starter, four-time all-league player and league MVP for soccer. She also played volleyball for four years, had over a 4.0 GPA, was a part of FFA, had over 100 community service hours, and was a kind and respectful young lady on campus.”

Chapman’s most memorable high school moment came during her senior season in a pivotal match against Argonaut. 

“After winning that game, we were solidified to win league for the first time ever even with two more games to play,” she recalled. The victory cemented the Warriors’ place in school history as the first girls’ soccer team to capture a league championship.

As the last line of defense in soccer’s most mentally demanding position, Chapman developed a unique approach to handling pressure. 

“During crucial moments in competition, I handle pressure by being calm. Taking a deep breath and remembering to relax has always helped me,” she said. This composure served her well, as evidenced by her remarkable defensive record during her senior campaign.

Chapman credits Coach Renteria with playing a significant role in the team’s development and historic success. 

“Coach Renteria had a huge impact on the mentality of the team as he set standards he knew we could achieve,” Chapman explained. “He pushed us to our limits to make sure we were giving 100% and was always encouraging us when we didn’t feel like we were doing our best. Not just physically, but mentally he made sure we were always in the right headspace for a game.”

Her leadership style focused on positivity and encouragement, creating a supportive team culture that contributed to the program’s breakthrough season.

“I believe having a positive attitude going into a practice or game, or just in general, rubs off on others, allowing for the environment to be more positive,” Chapman said. “Encouraging everyone to do their best and reminding them that everyone makes mistakes also allowed people to get out of their own head, which I’ve learned from experience is always one of the biggest struggles through sports.”

Beyond athletics, Chapman maintained academic excellence with a GPA above 4.0 while giving back to her community. She served at FFA dinners and worked as a science camp counselor for Oak View Elementary School, accumulating over 100 community service hours. She also mentored younger players, using her platform as a standout athlete to help others develop their skills.

Chapman’s athletic career won’t end with high school graduation. She plans to continue playing soccer at Cosumnes River College, where she hopes to build on her already impressive résumé.

When reflecting on what drove her success, Chapman doesn’t point to natural talent but rather her mindset and work ethic. 

“I knew I had a passion for sports unlike any I’ve had before,” she said. “Because of this, I knew I wanted to do the best I could and always give 100%, which is what I feel like has helped me come as far as I have.”

As Chapman prepares to take her talents to the collegiate level, she leaves behind a legacy of athletic excellence, positive leadership and historic achievement at Galt High School. Her contributions to the Warriors’ athletic program – particularly in helping secure the school’s first-ever girls soccer league championship – have forever etched her name in Galt High School history.