A Dual Threat on the Pitch
Anna Maxim, a senior midfielder for Edwardsville High School, was recently crowned The Telegraph Large School Girls Soccer Player of the Year, a testament to her consistent two‑way impact on the field.
The Tigers finished the season with a 16‑5‑2 record, shared the Southwestern Conference championship and advanced to the Class 3A state semifinals, where they placed fourth.
Maxim contributed eight goals, including decisive strikes in the sectional championship against Peoria Notre Dame and a penalty‑kick winner in the Bloomington Super‑Sectional shootout that sent the team to the state semifinals.
She also tied a crucial game against New Trier with just over eight minutes left, forcing overtime and showcasing her composure under pressure.
Across the campaign she logged nearly every minute, playing 80 minutes in regulation and 100 minutes in overtime matches, underscoring her durability and leadership.
Her defensive work — winning tackles and headers — was highlighted by Coach Justin Bernaix, who praised her ability to drive the team’s attack while anchoring the back line.
Off the field, Maxim graduated summa cum laude, ranked second in her class and will pursue biomedical engineering at the University of Florida, blending athletic ambition with academic rigor.
The recognition reflects not only her statistical achievements but also the intangible qualities that have defined her career: work ethic, resilience and a commitment to excellence.