Paige Cook is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Campo Verde High School for AZPreps365.com

Determined, passionate, loyal: Three words that describe junior Alexis Kreipke.

Kreipke plays forward for Campo Verde and is currently second in goals (11) and third in points (29) in the division.

Kreipke knows her hard work does not go unrecognized. “People believe in me and want me to do well, but it’s a team effort, not just a me effort,” she said. “The team bond this year is special, and I think that’s one thing that makes us so successful.

“From this year to last year, [the team] works together instead of relying on certain players. I know my stats, but I also know that I would not be there without my teammates.”

Junior Graci Briseno describes Kreipke as a “very reliable player” who is “not only working for herself, but the whole team.”

Her skill and personality shine through when it is needed most. “She makes an impact on many players by example,” Briseno said.

Kreipke chooses to incorporate positivity into her lifestyle, both on and off the field. “If one person is negative, it brings the whole team down. When I make a mistake, I try to shake it off and move on because others look up to me,” she said.

Playing for Campo Verde has been an uplifting experience. “Coach Drew Guarnei is so positive that it made me fall in love with the sport again.”

She has learned multiple skills, including leadership and motivation.

Kreipke’s extensive soccer history shaped her into the person she is today. Her mom, Cheryl, explained that her daughter’s soccer ability improved during her freshman year at Campo Verde. When she started, she would “set goals and work hard to achieve them.” Today, Cheryl describes Kreipke’s growing confidence as the “biggest impact on her game.”

Last season, Kreipke was the top assist player, which “fueled [her] confidence.”

“I used the stats to my advantage because they pushed me to want to do better and maintain that status,” said Kreipke.

This season, Kreipke plays her game and focuses on the bigger picture: a team championship.

“I wouldn't have opportunities that I do if I didn’t have a good team to play with,” she said.

Currently, the team is 5-1.

What does Kreipke hope for looking ahead? Besides a trophy, she plans “to continue to step up to inspire others and improve [her] leadership skills.”