Catching up with Athlete of the Week winner: Boca Raton star forward Laine Willis

BOCA RATON — Laine Willis didn’t score in Boca Raton girls soccer’s Jan. 17 meeting with Jupiter, but the junior still came up big for the Bobcats in a 2-1 finish of the Class 7A showdown.

After celebrating Boca’s (13-3) two seniors Sofia Melendez and Madison Villanti at halftime, the clock was live and the Post’s Athlete of the Week winner Willis drove down the left side of the pitch, tripping up a Warrior with a break to the sideline and juke right.

The stars aligned for a shot on goal, but the ball ultimately brushed the goal post.

“You’ve ran the right routes both times! That was perfect, Laine!” Bobcats coach Rachael Grimes cheered.

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The Boca forward already had a major first half pushing the ball downfield to help Villanti and junior Emily Shegota get into scoring position for a 2-0 advantage.

”She’s had a great year just developing as our main forward, not only scoring goals, but distributing and making things happen for her teammates so it's been really great to see her grow throughout the year,” Grimes said after the game.

A diving save from junior Kelly White on a direct kick was critical, but it was Willis’ efforts to keep the ball in Boca’s possession and eat the clock that would deny Jupiter the complete comeback after a late score from senior captain Olivia Knowlin.

“We have like six, seven, eight girls that are playing college soccer right now, so she played a little bit, but this is her first full year as a starter and playing up top,” Grimes said of Willis.

Here’s what you need to know about the peoples’ pick for one of the top players in Palm Beach County.

Why did Willis win?

Willis was nominated for her contributions in wins against No. 13 in the state American Heritage-Plantation (10-2-2) and Westminster Christian (3-6-1) in late November.

She recorded goal and assist in the 2-1 win when hosting the Patriots from Plantation American Heritage on Nov. 28. Another pair of assists highlighted a 4-1 rout of Westminster days later.

By the numbers

Willis leads the team with 36 points and 14 goals on the season, coming second on the roster with eight assists behind midfielder Sarah Coelho, who leads with nine.

Her goal total total ranks third in District 12, stacked with Spanish River, Park Vista and Olympic Heights.

One of Boca’s most likely to frequent scoring territory, Willis is also second in shots on goal, tallying 45 trips.

Quick-hit questions

Q: How do you feel about where Boca’s at now heading into the postseason?

A: ”I think we’re in a good spot. We finally started to understand how each other play and we’re really starting to work together and have a good time while doing it.”

Q: When did your journey with Bobcat soccer begin?

A: “This is my second year — I came from New York. When I first got here, I played JV and only came up for districts and stuff, but everyone was welcoming and I just had a good time getting to know everybody.”

Q: What made Coach Grimes decide to move you up full-time? How has it been different from JV?

A: ”I think it was just being a leader on the field and helping each other out. I felt like I started taking training like a lot more seriously once I started playing a lot more because I felt like I had a big role on this team. I wanted to step up for everyone here.”

Q: Do you have plans to play in college?

A: “Yes — I have one offer. I want to focus on being comfortable with the ball and what I can do with it, also being quicker with my decisions and seeing my teammates.”

Emilee Smarr can be reached at esmarr@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Athlete of the Week winner: Laine Willis from Boca Raton girls soccer