Northland Prep's Chloe Zeller: A Portrait of Resilience and Team Spirit on and off the Soccer Field
At first glance, Chloe Zeller appears to be your typical high school athlete. She is the poised midfielder of Northland Preparatory Academy's girls soccer team. Yet, she juggles the demands of senior year with the pressures of competitive sports.
Chloe reveals layers of resilience and passion that transcend the soccer field.
"Soccer has been one of the few things to really stick with me," Chloe shared. She reflected on her early introduction to the sport at age five. Her commitment to the game is evident, but Chloe's interests are as diverse as her soccer skills. "Outside of soccer, I love to rock climb, spend time with friends and watch movies."
Chloe speaks of soccer with infectious enthusiasm, emphasizing the unity it brings. "I love the flow and chemistry of the sport and team," she said. "You can't win a game alone, and I love that about soccer."
Her journey has been challenging.
She struggled with motivation during her sophomore year. She received limited varsity time. "I got down on myself and stopped trying for a little bit," Chloe admitted. But the camaraderie and purpose within her team rekindled her spirit.
"I realized if I wasn't going to try for myself, I would try for my team," she said.
Coach Michael Blair has been coaching Chloe since age 11. He echoes her sentiments on perseverance and character. "She has this quiet confidence," Blair said. "She's always willing to stand up for things, stand up for herself and not follow the crowd."
Blair has watched Chloe confront and overcome adversity with the same grit. For example, Chloe faced a season-ending injury. "It tested her, and I know she'll come out on top," he said. Through these trials, Blair has observed Chloe's growth into a more self-assured individual. "I've seen her start to believe in who she is and, in her confidence, to be that person."
Chloe's introspection reveals a thoughtful side.
When asked about guiding principles, she offers a simple yet profound philosophy. "It's really easy to be happy if you look in the right places." Her advice to newcomers in the sport reflects this wisdom and her own experiences. "Don't give up," she advises. "Pushing yourself past that mental block is the hardest part."
As her time at Northland Prep draws to a close, Chloe expresses deep gratitude for her coaches and teammates. They have shaped her high school experience and left an indelible mark on her life. "They have given me the best memories," she said.
Looking ahead, her aspirations are both personal and team-oriented.
"I hope that the NPA Spartans can continue to grow and play with passion, grace, and love for the sport," she said.
Chloe and Blair have a player-coach dynamic. But, they share a bond that surpasses the typical athlete-mentor relationship. Blair roots his hopes for Chloe in her authenticity and strength.
"I hope she knows who she is and stands firm. She shouldn't waver," he said, underlining Chloe's unique tenacity.
"What’s different than most other kids is that she's willing to stand up for what's right and not back down from that. She's just a cool kid, and I've always wanted her to realize how great she is and for her to believe that," he said.
In the words of Chloe Zeller:
- "Soccer has been one of the few things to really stick with me."
- "The thing I love the most about soccer is the flow and chemistry of the sport and team."
- "I realized if I wasn’t going to try for myself, I would try for my team."
- "It’s really easy to be happy if you look in the right places."
- "I am extremely grateful for my team and coaches."
In the words of Coach Michael Blair:
- "She has this quiet confidence."
- "She's always willing to stand up for things, stand up for herself and not follow the crowd."
- "[Her injury] tested her, and I know she’ll come out on top."
- "I’ve seen her start to believe in who she is and, in her confidence, to be that person."
- "I hope that she just knows who she is, and she stands firm to that and doesn't waver."
