Ellie Walker had a feeling this would be a good year for Columbia River girls soccer.
The Chieftains won a state championship in 2008 and again in 2012. She hoped that four-year pattern would hold true in 2016.
It did. Columbia River won the Class 2A state championship last month.
And no player had a bigger role in it than Walker. The senior forward scored 26 of her team’s 58 goals this season, which saw the Chieftains win their final 18 matches.
For her accomplishments, Walker is The Columbian’s All-Region girls soccer player of the year.
Walker is deft on the ball, physically strong and has a high vertical leap. When she joins the University of Portland soccer team next year, the 6-footer will play defense.
But Walker’s role on this year’s Columbia River team was simply to score goals.
“I had the goal every game to either get a goal or at least help someone get a goal,” Walker said. “Just having that mindset every single game helped.”
Columbia River moved to the 2A Greater St. Helens League this year from the 3A GSHL. Ironically, playing in a smaller classification meant a tougher schedule.
The Chieftains opened league play with losses to Ridgefield and Hockinson, both of which reached the state playoffs the previous year.
That loss to Hockinson on Sept. 20 would be River’s last of the season. The Chieftains outscored their next 16 opponents 53-11. Walker was named the 2A GSHL offensive co-player of the year with Ridgefield’s Taryn Ries, who is also headed to the University of Portland.
“We were pretty resilient,” Walker said. “We had a lot harder of a league than we’ve ever had, especially going to Ridgefield and Hockinson right away. Losing to them the first time got us into the feel of what we needed to do.”
River rolled through the playoffs, but then faced a tough challenge in the state championship match against Liberty of Issaquah. After regulation and overtime ended 2-2, the Chieftains prevailed in penalty kicks.
“It was awesome,” Walker said. “Even when we got third place my sophomore year, it was cool to be able to say you won your last game of the season. Not a lot of people get to say that.”
Walker’s soccer career is far from over. But she is happy her high school days ended by scoring her ultimate goal, a state championship.
It was her dream finish to four years of playing for coach Filomon Afenegus, who often asks his players “what’s your legacy?”
“It put into my head that there’s always something you can do better,” Walker said. “There’s the final goal, but there’s also a bunch of steps along the way that you have to take.”
The rest of the all-region team
Katie Anthony, Columbia River
Senior was the 2A GSHL co-defensive player of the year. Had big goals in state championship run, including tying goal in title match.
Emma Cox, Mountain View
Named Class 3A Greater St. Helens League player of the year. Junior can both score and set up teammates.
Sarah Davidson, Camas
Senior defender has committed to Washington State. First-team all-league for defense that allowed two goals all season.
Mackenzie Ellertson, King’s Way Christian
A two-time Trico League MVP, the sophomore forward scored 38 goals in leading Knights to third consecutive state berth.
Grace Eversaul, Skyview
Named Class 4A Greater St. Helens League player of the year. Senior midfielder was committed to Western Washington.
Maddie Kemp, Camas
Scored 31 of team’s 88 goals this season. One of three sophomores on national soccer coaches All-American team.
Marley Lefore, Camas
Senior central defender was field general for Camas back line, which set school record for goals allowed and shutouts.
Taryn Ries, Ridgefield
Midfielder was 2A Greater St. Helens League offensive co-player of the year. Senior led Ridgefield to state last three years.
Hannah Taie, Camas
Senior midfielder was team captain and inspirational leader for Papermakers. First team all-league.
Jenna Talarico, Hockinson
Junior goalkeeper was first-team all-league in 2A Greater St. Helens League. Eight shutouts and 24 goals allowed in 18 matches.
Alyssa Tomasini, Camas
Scored 22 goals, including game-winner in 1-0 semifinal win over Skyline. First-team all-league in 4A GSHL.
