By Ken Hansard
Harper Wintz has been a steady force for the Derby Panthers throughout her high school career, and her senior season is shaping up to be no different. A striker and wing in the AVCTL’s Division I, Wintz has combined consistency, leadership, and production to help keep Derby among the top teams in 6A.
Entering her final season just 14 goals shy of 50 career goals, Wintz has proven herself as a reliable scorer and playmaker. But for her, team success has always come first. “Going into this season I was looking forward to competing at a high level with most of our returning players,” Wintz said. “I love the girls I play with, and I think we work very well together.”
That chemistry showed last season when the Panthers finished 15-3, advancing to the regional championship match before falling just short. Now sitting at 4-2 midway through this season and ranked No. 3 in the 6A West Region, Derby is once again in position to make a strong postseason push. “As a senior, I see my role as being a leader,” Wintz said. “I want to contribute in any way that I can to secure wins, whether that means that I am scoring or assisting. These girls are practically my sisters, so I want to be there for them at all times.”
Wintz’s leadership is backed by an impressive resume. A four-year varsity starter, she has earned AVCTL Honorable Mention honors twice, AVCTL Second Team recognition, and 6A Honorable Mention All-State honors, all while maintaining a 3.8 GPA.
With regional play on the horizon, Wintz remains squarely focused on the present. “Playing great soccer is all that matters right now,” she said. “Getting the next win is more important than looking ahead.”
After graduation, Wintz plans to continue her soccer career at Hutchinson Community College while studying speech pathology, taking the next step in both her academic and athletic journey.
