SOUTHBURY, Conn. — When we think of Lumi Kostmayer, a recent graduate of Pomperaug High School, we think of the word… AMAZING! Lumi has been playing soccer for fourteen years and excels at the goal scoring role of striker.

Last summer, Lumi had the opportunity to join a semi-pro women’s soccer team affiliated with NY/NJ Gotham Football Club (FC) based in Harrison, NJ. The team was comprised of the top division 1 players from around the region. The training was intense and challenging but well worth it as they won their conference championship and ended the season with an undefeated record.

While Lumi is driven to succeed and has a deep passion for playing the game, she has had some difficult moments due to overtraining.

“In 2019, I had a stress fracture in my left navicular,” she explained. “Then in 2020, I had a stress fracture in my fibula. In both cases, not listening to my body was my downfall.”

Even though it was difficult, Lumi realized she had to fully recover and learn to respect the signs her body was giving her when she was pushing to the extreme. While working through her recovery she didn’t stop training completely. She found different exercises that helped her heal the injuries which made for a quicker return to play.

Lumi also manages Type 1 Diabetes but she doesn’t let that get in the way of her goals and dreams.

“Soccer provided an outlet for me and helped me prove to myself that my disease can’t slow me down.”

Being a top soccer player comes with a lot of challenges, not just injuries. Lumi told us that she would typically miss weeks of school at a time to attend U.S. U18 Women’s National Team training camps and competitions as well as national showcases and tournaments.

“This past year was even more challenging as I trained with the professional club Gotham FC an average of 2-3 times a week, missing school to train,” Lumi revealed. “I had to take full responsibility for my studies and taught myself most concepts at home so I wouldn’t fall behind in class.”

Lumi also told us about her difficulties when it comes to carving out time to socialize. As much as she loves hanging out with her friends, it’s a mental battle every time she isn’t on the field or training.

“Trying to be the best in any field requires great scarifies,” Lumi explained. “I’ve sacrificed a lot to pursue soccer at the highest levels.” It’s tricky to balance being a highly competitive athlete and having a social life outside of soccer.

That said, Lumi loves getting to know her teammates and grinding out practice time with them day in and day out during the season. Respect is the main component of team chemistry and Lumi says she feels lucky to have played with players she truly respects and admires.

Not only are her teammates great but so are her coaches! “Having a good coach is the key to realizing your full potential,” Lumi advised.

Lumi signed on to play division 1 soccer at Stanford as an incoming freshman this fall.

We look forward to keeping (and reporting) on the amazing things she will accomplish in her first college season.

Lumi, we will all be here cheering you on!

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