BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County standout Faith Caldwell has been named to the Kentucky High School Soccer Coaches Association’s All-State Second Team, becoming the first player in program history to earn the honor.
Caldwell turned in one of the most efficient offensive seasons in Kentucky high school soccer. She ranked 11th statewide in goals with 39 and second in assists with 38 despite playing seven fewer games than the state’s assist leader, who edged her by only two.
Caldwell averaged 2.4 goals and 2.4 assists per game to lead the state in both assists per game and points per game at 7.2. Her 116 total points ranked sixth overall.
Martin County head coach Steven Gauze said Caldwell’s growth made her one of the most complete players he has coached.
“No doubt Faith is very skilled. She is an athlete that is competitive and never gives up,” Gauze said.
He added that her dedication to offseason improvement was a key factor in her standout year.
“We also did a lot of strength training before taking the field, so she came in a lot stronger too,” he said.
According to Gauze, Caldwell showed noticeable growth in her ability to make smarter, more controlled plays.
“But this year, she was more mature and had a better understanding of the game,” Gauze said. “Her attacks were more effective. She knew when to shoot, when to pass, and when to pull back and start over.”
Her leadership on the field also stood out.
“She was more vocal on the field trying to help us play better as a team, which also made her better,” he said.
When the moment called for it, Gauze said Caldwell was the player who wanted responsibility on her shoulders.
“She is the kind of player that wants the ball in the big games, which made her fun to watch this year,” Gauze said.
Caldwell’s record-setting season helped lead Martin County to another strong showing in the 15th Region. The team secured the All ‘A’ Region title and made the Final Four in Kentucky. The squad finished Runner-up in the final season Region tournament.
Her All-State recognition and deep All ‘A’ run marked a historic milestone for the Lady Cardinals soccer program. Caldwell is only a junior and has another season to continue building a powerhouse for Martin County.