When Southmoore High School’s Janelle Fleischer started playing soccer, she did not know how far it would take her. Now a member of the varsity team, Fleischer is excited to get her junior season underway.

“I play wherever needed, but this year I’ll play center back,” Fleischer said. “I started soccer when I was eight, but my favorite moment as a player was winning city champions and scorings goals on both opponents.”

Fleischer and her teammates have continued to work hard in the offseason to ensure the Lady Cats have a great year on the pitch.

“The strength of my game is definitely my confidence on and off the ball, this season I’m improving on my communication skills. In order to mentally prepare, I just start off the day or week with a serious attitude, so it prepares me for what’s at stake,” said Fleischer.

Counting on her teammates and former teammates help set the tone for Fleischer and how she approaches a game.
“As a student-athlete SHS is just very motivating and encouraging towards all the athletes, they find a way to recognize us in the best way possible,” Fleischer said. “Class of ‘24 graduate, Hannah Montoya was a huge impact on my season last year, she showed all the characteristics needed to lead a team.”

Her passion for the team and her teammates is obvious.

“I would definitely say Lol keeps us all laughing, and Giselle Cordero is most serious,” Fleischer said. “I love that my teammates are all close and there aren’t major cliques, so we all just work together and have fun. I was running track on the side, but we’ll see what this season has to offer!”

After high school, Fleischer plans to continue her academic career and earn degrees in interior design and architecture.