South Warren Junior soccer players Kimberly DeGroot and Almir Selimovic are mainstays in the mid-field and backfield for their respective teams.
Besides playing soccer both players have a full schedule balancing sports, academics and extra-curricular activities. Kimberly participates in the PEP Club, Prom Club and is a member of the National Honor Society. As a member of the NHS Kimberly participate in community service which helps with scholarships. Kimberly is an honor roll student with a GPA of 3.9 and will be taking several AP classes next semester.
After high school, Kimberly wants to continue to play soccer at the college level and study criminology.
The Lady Spartans started the season 5-0 but since have lost three straight games. “I think we are pretty good, but can always improve. We did not have a good game against Bowling Green, but against Greenwood we did much better just lost it at the end. I think by districts we will be much improved. We will also have back some of our players that or injured” said DeGroot
As a mid-fielder/defender the stakes are high in that position. “You have to be aggressive and smart. You can’t stab because you are the last line of defense. You have to make the right decision.
Kimberly is also very active in her church were they are involved within the community. “We build houses, and serve food to the homeless through my church and youth group. It makes me feel good to do that”
Almir plays the midfield and is also a defensive specialist for the Spartans. The Spartans have played a tough schedule already this season and defeated cross town rival Bowling Green for the first time in school history. “At first of the season I did not think we were going to be as good as we are because we lost so many seniors. Our new players, sophomores and juniors have really stepped up. It was a great feeling to win the match against Bowling Green. Our coach said to celebrate it that night and then get ready for practice and for the next match.
Almir also has a full schedule outside of soccer. He is a member of FBLA and Spirit Club and is participates in activities with the local Mosque. Almir is has a 3.6 GPA and is an honor student. He also is taking three AP courses this year. So what is the trick to maintain his GPA and take three AP courses? “You have to arrange your schedule accordingly. I have a study hall and work around my other activities to maintain my grades” said Almir.
After high school, Almir hopes to get a soccer scholarship to play college ball, and if not that, then an academic scholarship. He plans on studying Electrical Engineering.
