Student Athlete of the Week: St. Patrick’s Linda Mustered

The Coast has become a hotbed for talent in the high school girls soccer ranks and this week’s student athlete of the week is yet another example of said talent.

Linda Mustered plays six of the 12 sports St. Patrick Catholic High School offers for girls. However, the sophomore has emerged as the Lady Irish’s rising star on the pitch.

As a sophomore with three years of varsity soccer under her belt, forward Linda Mustered really came into her own on the field and in the locker room after being named Team MVP at the end of her freshman season, following a playoff run that led to the Fighting Irish vying for a state title. “That really gave me the confidence that I needed at such a young age because now I know I can accomplish more things if I just put work into it.”

Already eclipsing the number of goals she had last season, netting the ball this year 22 times before the post-season even begins, scoring never gets old for Mustered. “If you watch the videos, we all run to each other, we’re like jumping up and down and the last game in OLA when I scored that first goal I almost fell down because people were dragging me, but that just shows the excitement that comes from it and everything.”

In the offseason, Mustered plays on a travel soccer team which features a lot of players the forward battles against during the season. “When we see each other on the field it’s like a frenemy match, but it makes it more enjoyable. And then after the game you hug each other and you’re like ‘you did so good’ and all that stuff.”

For most student athletes at any level, one of the biggest struggles is finding a balance between academics and athletics. “I just joined cross country this year and then I’ve also have done track and did softball the past two years. I’m in like almost every sport. I just don’t know how I do it. I just… I don’t know.”

It should also be noted that Mustered plays volleyball and cheers as well and is already a two-time track state champion.

The Lady Irish begin their road to redemption Tuesday at 6 p.m. as they take on Crystal Springs in the first round of the playoffs.

To nominate someone you believe deserves to be featured as News 25’s Student Athlete of the Week, please reach out to Grace Boyles through email (gboyles@wxxv25.com), Facebook (@GraceBBoyles), and Twitter (@GraceBBoyles).

Nominees can participate in any sport and be any age. Make sure to tune in every Wednesday to see which local athlete we spotlight next.