Freshman Kai Tsakiris Shines in Florida Soccer’s Starting Lineup
Soccer forward Kai Tsakiris traded the West Coast for the SEC, making Florida her new home.
Tsakiris was the No. 34 nationally ranked midfielder in the nation and No. 15 regionally ranked player in Southern California. As a true freshman, she made the team’s starting lineup as a forward and midfielder.
This week, Tsakiris was named co-SEC Freshman of the Week after scoring Florida’s opening goal in Friday’s 2-2 tie at No. 17 Georgia.
The transition from club and high school soccer to college at the SEC level has been a spark of new energy for Tsakiris, challenging herself in the new position.
“I’ve never felt this kind of connection with my team and with my coaches. We’re around them so much, and it is a different bond that I did not expect that I love so much,” Tsakiris said. “I’ve only been here for two and a half months, and I feel like I have known these girls forever.”
Coming into Florida and immediately joining the starting lineup is an intimidating role to fill for anyone. Despite the pressure, Tsakiris has been happy with her performance in her new position.
Tsakiris has embraced the chance to showcase her creativity, taking advantage of every opportunity on the ball. She is focused on constant improvement and is currently working on building confidence in front of the goal.
Tsakiris’s passionate spirit sparks her intensity to chase down tackles and loose balls. Her mentality has already paid off. Tsakiris scored her first goal against an SEC opponent in Florida’s match against Arkansas.
“Each game there is more and more confidence. Starting at the 10 is a big role to play and there is no point in doing it if you’re not going to believe in yourself,” Tsakiris said.
“I am a very passionate person, and that definitely travels into how I play. I am very passionate about my team, the girls on my team, protecting our team and playing for each other,” Tsakiris said. “I am also just very competitive. I want to win.”
Looking ahead, Tsakiris is optimistic about the Gators’ future. Despite the team’s struggle against Arkansas, she said confidence and collaboration can help the team steady itself throughout the season and no opponent should change that.
“Some losses, of course Arkansas was tough but we did prove ourselves, we proved to each other that we can be that team that we want to be and I am really looking forward to the rest of the season and just to continue the trajectory of this team because I believe in us and I think it is going to be really fun,” Tsakiris said.
The Gators return home tomorrow night to host Kentucky.
Category: Gator Sports, Gators Soccer, SEC, Soccer
