The Multifaceted Striker: Lizzy Tognacci’s Drive Beyond the Pitch

Lizzy Tognacci stands out not just as a senior striker but as a multifaceted individual whose interests and talents stretch well beyond the soccer field.

In speaking with Lizzy and her long-time coach, Michael Blair, a portrait emerges of an athlete whose depth of character is matched only by her commitment to excellence.

At 18, Lizzy finds balance in her life through various activities.

"Outside of soccer, I love spending my time skiing, biking, traveling, and hanging out with my friends," said Lizzy, whose love for the game began early. "My parents got me into soccer when I was really young, and I have loved playing since then!"

Her passion for soccer is rooted in more than just competition.

"I love the friendships I have made through soccer," she shares, and for her, the dynamic nature of the game keeps her driven. "I love how the game is constantly evolving. There is always more to learn and ways to improve, which makes it fun!"

However, the path has not been without its challenges. "The hardest thing about soccer is never feeling like you are at the level of play you want to be at," Lizzy admits, acknowledging that this feeling pushes her to strive for improvement continually and that soccer's challenges are a "blessing in disguise."

Lizzy's unique experiences, such as being followed by a bear, add to the tapestry of her life.

Her guiding philosophy, "Do more things that make you forget to check your phone," speaks volumes about her desire to live fully in the moment.

For those starting in soccer, she offers sage advice: "Don't take it too seriously because you play your best when you are having fun!"

Reflecting on the season, Lizzy expresses gratitude for her teammates and insight to savor the moment.

"This season was a special one, and not only because it's my last year playing but because of how important each of the girls on this team is," Lizzy said. "This year had a bit of a rocky start, but after we all got to know each other better, we saw improvement on the field. I realized about halfway through the season that I needed to soak up every moment with this group because of how much they mean to me. These friendships are something that I will carry forward with me."

Coach Blair, who has coached Lizzy since she was about 12, has observed Lizzy's growth and reinforces this sentiment.

"She's a really intelligent, talented kid in a lot of ways," he states. His appreciation for her versatility, selflessness and teamwork is clear: "She played a lot of different roles that we needed her to play," he said. "She's another player who was really consistent.

"Lizzy was always there for the team. There's so much gratitude for her, for how much she was willing to sacrifice and be selfless for the team, and it made a big difference because she was one of the people we could look at and show she would be there and be consistent. Those are the things that are going to carry her too much greater things, too," Blair said.

Blair's belief in Lizzy's potential extends beyond the pitch. "I'm pretty sure she's going to go into the medical field," he said." Because she's so smart and talented, I know she'll just do amazing things there," he said.