Durango High School’s Autumn Stevens has taken on a huge role this season for the currently tied for first place Demons girls’ soccer team.

Scoring goals and bullying opposing forwards is just the beginning when it comes to the talents possessed by this sophomore.

On the field, Stevens has been called upon to grow up in a hurry and lead the young Demons’ defense with senior Maddie Robertson out for much of the season with a knee injury.

Stevens and the Demons didn’t just stay above water with their leader sidelined, they have cemented themselves as one of the 5A/4A Southwestern League’s best squads in what was expected to be a year of growth and rebuilding with such a young roster.

Instead of playing scared, Stevens, her defensive mates and goalie Leah Stephens have shut out five of 11 opponents. Now, with Robertson back, goals are going to be even tougher to come by for the opposition.

“When we learned that Maddie was going to be out for awhile, it was a lot of pressure for me because I wasn’t a very vocal player out there and I knew that I needed to change that,” Stevens said. “I guess I’ve come out of my shell.”

Not only has she been stellar as the last line of defense in the center back position, Stevens is tied for the team lead in goals.

Her latest score gave the Demons the lead against rival Montrose in Friday’s 4-0 win.

While soccer is what gets her in the town newspaper, Stevens’ talents off the field make shutouts and free kick goals seem secondary.

The 4.0 grade point average student, and daughter of Eric and Lynn Stevens, was recently accepted into the National Honor Society at Durango High School.

That’s quite an achievement for any student, but she’s already racked up Social Studies Student of the Year, Davinci Renaissance Award and Math Student of the Year honors in her freshman year alone at DHS.

Out of the classroom, Stevens writes, sings, plays piano and records her own music. She wrote and professionally recorded her own song when she was 13. Down the road, the 15-year-old has plans to get into medical research and is attending a conference in Boston this summer to better familiarize herself with the industry.

“I’m really fascinated by the medical sciences and see myself in some sort of medical job,” she said. “Research and discovery is something that really appeals to me, but I’m going to this conference to open my eyes to different parts of that general field, so who knows.”

No matter which path Stevens chooses, she’s already learned how to adapt to new situations, become a leader and step up in a big way when the pressure mounts in just half a soccer season.

jfries@ durangoherald.com

Behind the scenes

What is your nickname?: Otter Pop

Who is your celebrity crush?: Patrick Swayze. Point Break, Roadhouse, Dirty Dancing...I’ve seen them all.

What childhood teacher or coach made a great impact on you?: My DYSA coach Joe Casey did a lot for me.

What is your favorite sports movie?: She’s the Man

Do you have any pets?: I have two dogs, Kiva and Jetta.

What is your favorite restaurant in Durango?: Zia Taqueria

What music do you listen to before games?: I’ve been into French rap music lately. My friends think I’m crazy.

What place would you most like to visit?: Switzerland

What is your favorite outdoor activity in Durango?: Paddleboarding the Animas River

Do you have any other talents?: I play the piano and write my own music. I also write poetry.