LAKEPORT — Telia Paskaly of the Clear Lake High School varsity girls” soccer team is one of 50 semifinalists for the Inspireum Soccer Awards, which honors and celebrates young athletes who embody the values of character, courage, contribution and commitment.
A total of $25,000 in academic scholarships will be awarded to the 12 finalists, who will be announced Dec. 13. The winner will be named Jan. 3 and receive a $7,500 scholarship during a ceremony at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America annual convention on Jan. 14 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Paskaly was among 250 young players nominated by their coaches, peers and parents in the search for the most inspirational soccer player in America. A senior forward who helped lead her team to a 17-5-2 record, a second-place finish in the North Central League I standings and a berth in the North Coast Section playoffs, Paskaly missed only a combined three practices during her junior and senior years despite battling the effects of Lyme Disease, which causes her a great deal of pain and often leaves her sleepless.
“She is one of the hardest working athletes on the team and expects the same of her teammates,” Clear Lake coach Paul Larrea said. “Her teammates admire and take inspiration from her outstanding character.”
One of Clear Lake”s top scorers during the season, Paskaly was recently honored by NCL I coaches who named her to the All-League first team.
“With this being our first year for the Inspireum Soccer Awards, we wanted to continue the success we”ve had with the high school football Rudy Awards by honoring soccer players across the country who have defied the odds,” Insperium founder John Ballantine said. “We are thrilled with the course and character that all the semifinalists have shown and feel honored to present their stories to America.”
Inspireum is a social enterprise dedicated to celebrating outstanding achievement of young people who inspire the next generation, which in turn strengthens communities, according to Ballantine.
