Lili Thiessen has spent her final high school soccer season trying to do more than score goals.
Off the field, Thiessen focused on reshaping the team culture at Andover, prioritizing intensity, respect and unity within a program she said had previously dealt with internal challenges.
“My primary focus for this season was creating a team atmosphere that valued intensity and respect for one another,” Thiessen said. “In the past, we’ve struggled with drama and toxicity within the team, so I decided to change that in the ways that I could control.”
On the field, her goals were just as clear — and just as demanding.
“My personal goals were to score 15 goals, beat our cross-town rivals, Andover Central, and have fun during my last season of high school soccer,” she said. “I am elated to say that my team and myself have achieved each of those.”
A senior captain and the team’s only returning starter in her final season, Thiessen said leadership became one of her defining responsibilities.
“I strive to be the type of leader that leads out of love and positive feedback, instead of tearing people down with negativity,” she said.
That leadership has helped fuel a standout offensive season. Transitioning into a center forward role, Thiessen said she has scored against every opponent except Eisenhower and Wichita East, tallying 20 goals so far.
Last season, Andover finished 7-7-2, and Thiessen earned AVCTL Division II All-League honorable mention while playing primarily in the midfield.
This year, the Trojans have taken a step forward, posting a 12-4 record with close losses to Eisenhower (twice), Maize South and Maize.
“We haven’t lost to any teams by more than one goal, besides Eisenhower,” she said. “I think we are always an underestimated team, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish in the postseason.”
Beyond statistics, Thiessen said her competitive drive and passion for soccer continue to shape her success and preparation for the next level.
“Being a captain, and the only starting senior, leadership is something that I had to establish from the get-go,” she said. “Additionally, my competitiveness has been a part of my personality since I was very young. I believe the reason I’ve scored most of my goals is because I battle until it crosses the line.”
As she looks toward college soccer, Thiessen has also placed a strong emphasis on fitness, training last fall with Sporting Wichita under coach Qaies Al-Amood to prepare for the demands ahead.
“This past fall, I had the opportunity to play club soccer for Sporting Wichita under Coach Qaies Al-Amood,” she said. “The way that Coach Qaies consistently made drills that tested our bodies’ limits, had us run fitness tests, and made every practice intense gave me the opportunity to be in some of the best shape of my life.”
For Thiessen, success is measured in more than wins and goals — it’s also about legacy.
“A successful season for me looks like creating a team that will be successful in the future, after I’m gone,” she said. “I hope to establish a standard of intensity, but simultaneously a mindset of grace and love for each other that will carry on for the teams to come.”
