Get to know Ramapo HS girls soccer goalie Maddie Kellogg
FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — When you talk to Ramapo High School Girls Soccer goalie Maddie Kellogg after she leaves the net at the end of the game you better move in close to hear her.
“I am yelling and screaming directions to the defenders the whole game so by the end of the game I am hoarse,” said Maddie. “I can see what is happening on the entire field and can tell them where to move to get into position.”
Besides being hoarse she is also sore.
“You are throwing your body to block goals,” said Maddie. “Being a goalie is very physical.”
Her physical strength and keen perspective of the game helped the Lady Raiders on September 20 shut down arch rival Northern Highlands with a 2- 0 victory .
“I had two saves on goal,” said Maddie.
Maddie thinks some of her success in the net is her quick reflexes, hand skills and her 5’10” height.
“I practice a lot and it’s a lot of repetition,” said Maddie. “When the game starts you are in the moment and you don’t have much time to think. It’s muscle memory.”
When the ball does get by her, Maddie chooses not think about it for very long.
“Dwelling on it is negative and too much thinking ruins your confidence,” said Maddie. “It’s added pressure you don’t need.”
While this year’s Lady Raiders roster contains many new names, Maddie says the team is ready to succeed.
“We are very focused and ready to create our own legacy,” said Maddie.
To help the team secure wins, Maddie has a workout routine that includes goalie training, weight lifting and quick burst exercises.
Before high school, Maddie played Wyckoff Recreation Soccer,Torpedoes soccer, World Class Fc, as well as NJ’s Olympic Development Team.
While Initially splitting time between field and goal, it wasn’t until seventh grade with Torpedoes coach Russ Farr that she committed full time to the position.
“I was hesitant at first to give-up the fast paced excitement on the field for the net but soon I really liked it.”
In addition to Ramapo soccer, Maddie plays club soccer for Match FIT Academy.
“It’s a great way to improve your skills by playing with high-level girls outside the area,” said Maddie. “Besides league games, we attend college showcase tournaments all over the country that are attended by college recruiters.”
This winter, Maddie will swap a soccer ball for a basketball when she plays the center/forward position on Ramapo’s Girls Basketball team.
The high school senior plans to attend college and study biology or psychology.
“If I can play soccer in college that would be great but I will not sacrifice my academics,” said Maddie. “If am pursuing offers and if it works out it would be great.”
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