May 25, 2012
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By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF women's soccer incoming freshman Kaitlyn Steckel recently helped the Tampa Bay United U18 Girls Premier Team make history by winning its first FYSA State Championship in the club's existence.
Tampa Bay United advanced to the championship game after downing last year's champion Creeks Clash in a 1-0 decision. Steckel assisted the game-winning goal in the second half.
"My TBU team is very strong top to bottom," Steckel said. "Our goalkeeper and defensive line are very solid, our midfield is really aggressive, and our forwards have a lot of speed. However, we knew that once we reached the final four we would be facing two very competitive teams who have been tough to beat for the past several years."
Tampa Bay United clinched the title with a 3-1 victory over the Renegades to advance to the Region 3 Southern Regionals in Greenville, S.C., which start June 14.
"We play with a lot of heart and push each other to be the best we can be," Steckel said. "This has been our goal for so long and to have it finally happen feels great. All of our hard work and dedication has paid off. This win ranks at the very top of my soccer accomplishments, right along with my signing to play soccer at UCF."
The Tampa, Fla., native signed with UCF in February and will join the Knights as a forward this fall. She also will study as a member of the Honors College.