A Season of Records and Reflections
Margo Maples, a recent graduate of South Rowan High School, capped her soccer career with a remarkable ten shutouts in her final season, surpassing the previous year’s total by seven and earning a repeat honor as Rowan County Goalkeeper of the Year.
Her ascent from a reluctant eighth‑grade goalkeeper to a standout player was shaped by the steady guidance of Coach Brian Bell, who first met Maples in middle school and continued to mentor her through high school, helping refine her technique and confidence between the posts.
Beyond the numbers, Maples’ impact resonated in the team’s overall performance; the Raiders scored 104 goals while limiting opponents to just 35, a balance that reflected both her defensive reliability and the offense’s dynamism.
Future Plans at Appalachian State
Maples will enroll at Appalachian State University this fall to pursue a degree in business and finance, while also aiming to join the school’s competitive women’s club soccer team, hoping to continue her athletic journey at the collegiate level.
Reflecting on her favorite memory, she recalls a playoff clash against East Burke as the pinnacle of her senior season, a game that encapsulated the intensity and camaraderie that defined her high school experience.