Madison Thacker is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chaparral High School for AZPreps365.com

Sami Fisher has had eyes for the goal long before joining Chaparral’s varsity team her freshman year. Fisher first picked up a soccer ball at just 4 years old and started playing club soccer at age 7.

“I’ve literally been playing since I could run,” said Fisher.

A couple years ago, Fisher transitioned into a new club, jumping from Del Sol to Phoenix Rising ECNL and making the switch to forward.

“It was just tough adjusting to all the new girls at that time,” said Fisher.

She was simultaneously joining Chaparral’s team as the youngest player, making for a tough transition.

But that didn’t stop Fisher from making an impact.

Last season, she scored 15 goals and made five assists exceeding the team’s expectations. Her biggest goal made her a champion.

Fisher dribbled through the backline in the state championship, beating every defender to score Chaparral’s third goal and help beat Hamilton 4-0 for the school’s fourth consecutive title.

“As a freshman to score in the state finals is insane,” senior captain Delaney Penn said. “She just did it and everyone was sitting there saying wow.”

That goal changed everything for Fisher.

She became a more confident, reliable player by showing her teammates she could come up big in important moments.

Like most freshmen, Fisher was not a starter, at the time coming off the bench to relieve players and try to make a difference.

“Nobody was expecting me to go out there and do anything special because I was a freshman,” said Fisher.

Now a sophomore, Fisher is not only a starter, but she leads the offense. The team lost eight seniors last season, five of them forwards, including 2020 Gatorade Player of the Year Isabella Struckman.

The seniors handed Fisher the torch and gave her the confidence to step up and lead this season.

Fisher is nominated for Gatorade Player of the Year as she continues to turn heads with eight goals in 10 games. Fisher leads the Firebirds offense as a reliable player with a “nose for the goal." 

The Firebirds finished the regular season 9-2 overall and are ranked second in the standings. The team kicks off the postseason Wednesday against Queen Creek, which is ranked No. 14 in the standings.

For Fisher, the state tournament means more opportunities to make a difference.

“I just try and show for the ball as much as possible,” Fisher said. “I try to defend as much as possible even though I am a forward, I defend when I can. I just try and call for the ball so I can make a difference and get the ball at my feet so I can go.”

“She plays with so much heart and cares so much about everybody on team,” senior captain Lauren Carlson said.

Leading by example, Fisher inspires and challenges her teammates to continue to improve.

“Playing with her has changed the way I play,” Carlson said. She’s very smart, she knows when to dribble, she has this confidence about her. She can take people on and take these shots, its impressive and it has helped me with my confidence.”

Fisher continues to prove her importance to her team by leading, and creating goals and scoring opportunities.

Fisher hopes to continue playing at the collegiate level after graduating high school.

But for now, Fisher and the team are chasing another state championship trophy.

“Sami has made me a better defender when I have to defend her during practice,” senior defender Lainey Gomez said. “She’s one of the best forwards I’ve ever played against and playing against her helps me improve. I’m really lucky to have her on the team.”