Avery Sandefer Farmington Girls Soccer Junior Fullback Named San Juan County Sports Athlete of the Week
Sponsored by The Graphic Designer
By Wally D
Photos by Adrian Jacquez.
San Juan County Sports Athlete of the Week
When people look at a soccer scoreboard, the attention usually goes to the players putting the ball in the net. But for the Farmington Scorpions, one of the biggest reasons for their outstanding season has been the player making sure the other team never gets that opportunity.
Junior fullback Avery Sandefer has been a force on the Farmington back line, and her defensive performance has earned her recognition as the San Juan County Sports Athlete of the Week.
Farmington enters district play with an impressive 10-1 record, having outscored opponents 50-1 this season. The Scorpions’ only loss came in a shootout, meaning they have yet to lose a match in regulation while allowing just one goal all season.
Sandefer has been right in the middle of that defensive success.
Over Farmington’s last two games alone, Sandefer recorded 30 steals, continually stopping attacks before opposing teams could create dangerous scoring opportunities.
Farmington head coach Bryce Frost said Sandefer’s ability to see the field and anticipate what’s coming makes her especially effective at fullback.
“I think just her vision, her field vision, and her ability to figure out those pursuit angles,” Frost said. “That helps her tremendously, and her willingness to just push somebody off the ball when needed.”
But it isn’t only Sandefer’s physical ability that makes her so difficult to beat.
Frost said one of her greatest strengths is how composed she remains, even when the action around her is moving at full speed.
“She’ll be full sprint and she still looks like she’s just calm and collected and ready to go,” Frost said. “Her composure in general helps her be outstanding at defense.”
That defense has made life much easier for the Farmington goalkeeper. Frost credited Sandefer and fellow defender Chloe Huff with preventing many shots from ever reaching the net.
“She’s absolutely a crucial component in keeping those shots off target,” Frost said. “Without her and Chloe Huff together, Ashlyn would have a lot more saves than she does.”
Sandefer’s contribution also goes far beyond tackles and steals.
Frost said some of her best work happens when the ball isn’t even near her. Sandefer is constantly adjusting her position, communicating with the defensive line and making sure the Scorpions are prepared if an opponent suddenly creates a counterattack.
“When the ball is in our middle third and our attacking third, she’s still moving, she’s still adjusting, she’s still talking to her other defenders,” Frost said. “That just makes all the difference.”
And she’s doing all of it as only a junior.
Frost said Sandefer has naturally developed into one of Farmington’s leaders, whether she’s wearing a captain’s band or not.
“She’s just one of those players that is a leader,” Frost said. “She knows what she’s doing, and she helps others figure that out as well.”
Now the challenge gets even bigger.
Farmington heads into district play ranked No. 4 in the Class 5A power rankings, with one of the teams ahead of the Scorpions being district opponent Volcano Vista, which enters at 8-1.
For Farmington to make the kind of postseason run it believes it can make, its defense will remain a major part of the equation.
And with Sandefer patrolling the back line — reading the field, winning the ball, communicating and shutting down scoring opportunities — the Scorpions have already shown just how difficult they can be to score against.
If that defensive effort continues, Farmington has the pieces in place to make a serious run when the playoffs arrive.
For her tremendous defensive play, leadership and role in helping Farmington produce one of the strongest starts in the state, Avery Sandefer is this week’s San Juan County Sports Athlete of the Week.
San Juan County Sports Athlete of the Week is proudly sponsored by The Graphic Designer — your local source for custom embroidery, screen printing, promotional products, business branding, signs, banners, and creative design services. Conveniently located in Farmington, The Graphic Designer helps businesses, schools, teams, and organizations stand out with professional quality and personalized service. 2021 E 19th St Farmington 505-326-1552
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