Sapulpa High School’s Abby Admire
Sapulpa junior goalkeeper Abby Admire has spent most of her life in and around the Chieftains’ soccer program, but this spring feels different. Now, she is no longer the coach’s daughter watching from the sidelines – she is the one anchoring the varsity back line.
Admire, a varsity goalkeeper for Sapulpa High School, has played soccer for 12 years and embraces the pressure that comes with the position. She admits she “might be biased,” but she believes standing in goal is the toughest role on the field. Her favorite player, United States women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, sets the standard she chases each training session.
Family has been central to that journey. Admire said her parents are her biggest inspiration because of the sacrifices they make so she can play club soccer and pursue her future in the sport. “They both work so hard and are the reason that I get to play club soccer,” she said. “I am so fortunate that they care so much about my future and that they want me to do what’s best for me.”
Her connection to Sapulpa soccer runs even deeper through her mom, an assistant coach for the high school program. Admire said she grew up around the team and now relishes the chance to share the field with her best friends in a Chieftains uniform.
Along the way, several educators have left their mark. She points to her composition classes this year as her favorites and credits both a kind college professor and elementary teachers such as Mrs. Behrens and Mrs. Romeo for making learning fun.
On the field, Admire said athletics has taught her the value of work ethic and the reality that “you need to work really hard for things that you want.” She also draws inspiration from former Sapulpa standout Sara Arundell, a fierce competitor she once watched from the stands and now sees daily as one of her high school coaches. When she is not in the classroom or the goal box, Admire keeps it simple, enjoying naps and time with friends.
