By Blake Chadwick

All the time, coaches will talk to players about finding their “why.”  A lot of these high school athletes overthink it and don’t truly find the “why” that will make them play all the time. Newton’s Isabel Sandoval is a perfect example of a player who has found their “why”.

Two and a half years ago, Sandoval’s cousin, Kilar Gillespie, passed away. The young Gillepsie came from a great soccer house and was a great soccer player herself.

“She loved soccer, and it is one of the reasons I strive to work hard to be the best I can,” Sandoval said. “I would like to dedicate my final season to her.”

The four-year starter and team captain knows what it takes to win.

“She is a leader on and off the field,” Newton head coach Scott Janzi said. “Izzy is a key part of our success as a program. Her freshman year, she was one of three club players on the team. The strides she has made have been fun to watch.”

Sandoval has had quite a career with the Railers. The senior is a three-time team MVP, two-time all-McPherson tournament team, and a two-time first-team all-league selection. The senior has also won a President Cup Championship with her club team, Kansas Rush, in 2023.

With all of these accomplishments, Sandoval has been able to commit to Butler Community College, where she will continue her athletic and academic career.