Olivia Godfrey, the 18‑year‑old netminder who backstopped Big Rapids to an undefeated Central State Activities Association championship, is set to return for two more seasons of high school soccer.
Her performance last year was nothing short of spectacular: a 87.2 save percentage and 13 shutouts earned her a spot on the Pioneer’s All‑Area team and caught the eye of Coach Curt Ray, who highlighted her poise against the region’s toughest opponents.
Coach’s Praise and Team Impact
Ray described Godfrey as a talent that “makes the difference when the game is on the line,” noting that her footwork and reflexes turned a potential goal‑mouth into a dead end during a tournament in DeWitt. He also pointed out that, despite being in her first full‑time varsity season, she already contributed two assists, underscoring her all‑around skill set.
Beyond the soccer pitch, Godfrey balances her time with the school’s volleyball and basketball programs, yet she repeatedly says soccer remains her favorite. The sport’s blend of strategy, teamwork and the sheer joy of making a game‑changing save keeps her motivated.
Looking Ahead
With two years of eligibility remaining, Godfrey’s presence promises to keep Big Rapids at the top of the league. Opponents will have to adjust to a goalkeeper who has already logged eight years between the posts and who continues to refine her game each offseason.
The Cardinals’ undefeated season was a community effort, but the team’s success hinged on Godfrey’s reliability between the sticks. As she looks toward the next campaigns, fans and rivals alike are eager to see how her experience and work ethic will shape the future of Big Rapids soccer.