It’s no surprise that any number of the world’s greatest athletes, whether early in, at the peak of, or toward the end of their careers have been lured onto golf courses.
Sydney Rey is no different.
“I don’t play on a team but my dad and all my family are all golfers,” explained the Bayfield star, already three seasons into her impressive high school soccer career. “So whenever I get the chance I love to go out on the golf course – or driving range … and just hit a quick bucket.”
The ace Rey carded on the par-3 12th at Dalton Ranch north of Durango last summer, before her recently completed junior year, started some good momentum which led to the standout forward being named the 3A Southwestern League’s Player of the Year and also receiving Honorable Mention All-3A after helping the Wolverines creep into the 2024 CHSAA Class 3A State Tournament.
“I feel really grateful, first of all, for everyone who supported me throughout this whole entire year,” Rey said. “Because, obviously, without my coach or (teammates) I wouldn’t be recognized as Player of the Year. I just feel absolutely so grateful, and so excited that I got it for a second year.”
Rey said playing both golf and soccer has helped her in different aspects of life. Soccer is an active sport with thinking involved, according to Rey. Golf is an active game but mostly a mental game to Rey which has helped her focus on herself as golf is only about how you’re playing.
Driven by Rey’s 16 goals and four credited assists, Bayfield (6-7-3, 2-1-3 SWL) received the No. 32 seed and the tall task of toppling top-seeded Metro Area menace Colorado Academy. But with BHS unable to do so, the Mustangs eventually defeated 2-seed Jefferson Academy in the state championship 3-1. CA finished 18-0-0 overall allowing only eight goals all season while netting 103.
In addition to Rey, also named First Team All-SWL from Bayfield were senior forward Genesis Barrera (5g, 11a), senior defender Anna Vasgird, and senior goalie McKenna Noonan (156 saves, 1.79 goals-against average in 1,253 minutes).
“I was questioning even playing soccer my senior year,” Noonan said, prior to leaving Academy’s Firman Field. “But I’m really glad I came back because I feel a lot stronger than I did last season. I feel I know the position a lot more – I was confused a lot last year, didn’t know (head coach Scott) Key’s system – and could really bond with my teammates. I’m just really happy that I came back after my (Spring ’23) injury.”
Montezuma-Cortez senior midfielder Anna Jensen was First Team All-League (who also received Honorable Mention All-3A). Despite totaling just 22 goals offensively, M-CHS (3-5-3, 1-2-3) gave up just 17 – thanks in large part to junior goalie Aubrey Rutherford, an Honorable Mention All-SWL selection.
Led by junior Elizabeth Currier and sophomore Adison Johnson–First Team All-Leaguers – Pagosa Springs finished 6-5-3 overall but 0-3-3 in league. Freshman Ximena Garcia was an Honorable Mention pick plus BHS senior Preslie Wagner (9g, 5a) – one of many Wolverines Rey knows will be tough to replace.
“So many amazing seniors … I’m very sad that they’re all leaving,” Rey said. “I’ve really been reflecting on how I think our team’s going to change this next year. They’ve taught … things we need to learn so that we can be the new leaders for Bayfield. I really appreciate … them doing that, and I’m so excited to see new freshmen come up … to see the team grow.”
