GIRLS' SOCCER: THE BUZZ WAS RIGHT WITH RENDICH : SOPHOMORE LIVING UP TO EXPECTATIONS.Byline: Jim Inghram Staff Writer The buzz surrounding Jaime Rendich's arrival at Canyon High started even before she walked onto the campus for the first time. Her reputation preceded her. ``There was tremendous hype about Jaime, because of her ODP ODP - Open Distributed Processing (Olympic Development Program) level of play,'' said Canyon coach Gregg Cohen cohen or kohen (Hebrew: “priest”) Jewish priest descended from Zadok (a descendant of Aaron), priest at the First Temple of Jerusalem. The biblical priesthood was hereditary and male. . ``She had already been successful at a high level before playing a game of high school soccer.'' Sometimes those expectations can be crushing, but Rendich embraced them and now in her sophomore year she is one of the leaders for the Cowboys cowboys, in American history. 1 Tory marauders, adherents to the British cause in the American Revolution, who fought in the contested area of Westchester co., N.Y. . Playing in the midfield mid·field n. Sports 1. The section of a playing field midway between goals. 2. Players whose usual positions are in the midfield. mid , she has five goals and 14 assists in 15 games, helping Canyon to an 11-3-1 start. Her opponents generally have no one that can match Rendich's speed or skill. ``Jaime is incredibly skilled and a very gifted soccer player,'' Cohen said. ``She's knowledgeable and plays with composure com·po·sure n. A calm or tranquil state of mind; self-possession. [From compose.] composure Noun the state of being calm or unworried Noun . She's extremely fast and an incredible athlete.'' She is so fast she's an integral part of the Canyon track team, mainly concentrating on the relays and the high jump. It translates well to the soccer field. Rendich's athleticism gets her to places before others can react, and her intelligence allows her to take advantage of her opportunities. ``Jaime gives everything out there,'' teammate Nicole Modugno said. ``She's a total team player and never gives up on anything.'' Rendich has an all-out style but doesn't prefer to get mired mire n. 1. An area of wet, soggy, muddy ground; a bog. 2. Deep slimy soil or mud. 3. A disadvantageous or difficult condition or situation: the mire of poverty. v. in physical battles. ``I like to play with more finesse fi·nesse n. 1. Refinement and delicacy of performance, execution, or artisanship. 2. Skillful, subtle handling of a situation; tactful, diplomatic maneuvering. 3. and technique,'' Rendich said. ``I love to dribble and make the pass that sets up a goal. The thinking part of the game is what I like rather than just crashing into people.'' Perhaps that style comes from the fact that Rendich almost didn't get to play soccer. She started playing the sport at age 8 but had to do persuade her parents before she got the chance. ``I'm the youngest of seven girls and my dad didn't want any of us to play rough sports,'' Rendich said. ``But I thought it looked fun and they finally let me play.'' She started in AYSO AYSO American Youth Soccer Organization AYSO All Your Saturdays Occupied AYSO Alabama Youth Soccer Organization AYSO Albuquerque Youth Soccer Organization (Albuquerque, New Mexico) , played there for three years and quickly progressed through the club circuit. She plays for the Valley United Stars in addition to her participation with the ODP. ``Usually it takes a player a few years to explode (1) To break down an assembly into its component pieces. Contrast with implode. (2) To decompress data back to its original form. like she has,'' Cohen said. ``To come in as a freshman last year and start off this year with the numbers she has put up is incredible. She makes everyone around her better with the things she is able to do.'' Cohen who has coached several top players, some who went on to play Division I soccer, and he can envision Rendich playing at the next level. ``Absolutely she can play college soccer,'' Cohen said. ``She is one of the best players I've ever seen or had the pleasure of coaching. She asks for more responsibility. She welcomes pressure and being a leader.'' It is still some time away, but Rendich is hoping to fulfill ful·fill also ful·fil tr.v. ful·filled, ful·fill·ing, ful·fills also ful·fils 1. To bring into actuality; effect: fulfilled their promises. 2. a dream by playing in college. She has her school picked out Brigham Young University Brigham Young University, at Provo, Utah; Latter-Day Saints; coeducational; opened as an academy in 1875 and became a university in 1903. It is noted for its law and business schools. and has set a course to get there. ``I would love to go there and get a scholarship,'' Rendich said, ``But I know I have a long way to go. I have to keep working hard, raise my level of play and keep my grades up, but it's definitely something I think I can accomplish.'' With that attitude and her skill, Rendich has completed more than half the battle. AT A GLANCE Name: Jaime Rendich School: Canyon High Year: Sophomore Position: Midfield Height: 5-foot-5 Born/place: Aug. 21, 1984/Mission Hills Notable: Second year on the varsity soccer team... Also on the varsity track team, runs on the 400-relay and 1,600-relay teams and the 400 meters and the high jump...Played on the Olympic Development Program under-14 state team and the under-15 national team. CAPTION(S): Photo, box PHOTO Canyon High's Jaime Rendich (8), a sophomore who was expected to be a top soccer player, is leading the Cowboys in scoring. Gene Blevins/Special to Daily News Box: At a Glance (see text) |
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