When asked if they would like to be interviewed, most athletes would jump at the opportunity to steal the limelight. However, when Makayla Christensen is in the middle of beating her friends in a pre-practice game of foot volleyball, the interview can wait.

Christensen, currently a sophomore with the University of Utah soccer team, has been playing since she was 4. She spent much of her youth playing for FC Nova Soccer in Ada County, Idaho.

Christensen continued to follow her passion for the sport into high school. While a forward at Centennial High, she scored 90 goals in her three-year career. Christensen found the back of the goal on 44 occasions during her senior year alone. In addition to being a great scorer, Christensen also totaled 17 assists as a senior.

Aside from leading Centennial to a pair state titles during her tenure, Christensen was named a High School All-American, led the state of Idaho in scoring for three years and was a 5A State Player of the Year. If that wasn’t enough to show her prowess on the field, she also received the prestigious honor of being named the 2017 Gatorade Player of the Year.

“My friends and my family and my grandpa pushed me to play soccer all the way growing up. They supported me to continue to the collegiate level.”

Christensen is the oldest of four siblings and describes herself as very family orientated. “None of my siblings play soccer, but two of them dance.”

With an outstanding high school record, Christensen looks to continue growing her soccer profile with the time she has in a Utes jersey. Still rather young in her collegiate career, she has many personal goals and milestones she plans on accomplishing as a collegiate player.

“I think scoring my first collegiate goal will be super relieving. Scoring will make all that I’ve worked for so long feel worth it. I am super excited. With the rest of my career here, I definitely want to continue to grow as a player. I want to grow in my foot skills, as well as become an even better teammate. I love the environment and the team at the U.”

While incredibly committed to her sport, Christensen is still like any other college sophomore. When she isn’t practicing or playing, Christensen leads a typical lifestyle.

“I love mountain biking and hanging out with my friends. I always have a go-at-it attitude, and I’m excited to try and be better every day.”

A star on the field, Christensen also excels in the classroom — she was named an Academic All-American. Christensen currently plans on majoring in criminology. While the books may be interesting, Makayla hopes to continue her soccer career once she leaves the university.

“I think it would be a super cool experience to play after college. I have no idea where I would want to go to at the moment.”

With talent to spare and a winning attitude, Christensen has a bright future ahead of her. Humble, committed and athletically gifted, Christensen will be a big part of the Utes’ campaign to hoist a championship trophy in the coming years.

[email protected]

@CPadilla67