Booters build for bright future

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Booters build for bright future

November 17, 2025 by David Svien

Rising stars (left to right) Lillian Ketterling, Tamsin Ward, Olivia Stewart, and Amelia McGrath. (Photo courtesy Jandellyn Ward)

It’s never too early to think about playing at the next level.

Four Whidbey Island soccer players pulled themselves out of bed at 4:15 AM Sunday morning to make the trek to Bellevue and participate in a College Coaches Showcase Camp.

Sophomore sensation Lillian Ketterling and fab frosh Tamsin Ward attend Coupeville High School, while freshmen Olivia Stewart and Amelia McGrath do their schooling in Oak Harbor.

All four play together on the Deception FC soccer squad when not suiting up for their high school teams.

The Showcase Camp, hosted by Bellevue College, was for “high school players who want direct coaching and evaluation from college coaches on the field.”

The event featured coaches from 11 colleges, including Washington State University, Seattle University, and Oregon State University.

Those coaches ran the drills and scrimmages, offering players first-hand evaluations of their performances.

There was also a parent-inclusive recruiting seminar, focusing on NCAA rules and timelines to give players and their families a realistic view of the process.

“I think it’s invaluable to be able to start this early and know what to expect going forward, as a parent as well as the athlete,” said mom Jandellyn Ward.

“Hearing the coaches talk, being able to ask questions and also introducing themselves to them. Those were the best parts.”

The day also gave the Whidbey pitch queens a chance to step up their games, playing alongside other high-grade athletes.

“The girls got to scrimmage with obviously players they had never seen before,” Jandellyn Ward said. “So it was nice for them to be outside their comfort zone for a little while.”

While the high school season is done, club soccer continues for the fearsome foursome.

Up ahead on the schedule are tournaments in Tukwila in January and February, which will give the booters more chances to be seen by college recruiters.