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Ready To Kick Off Soccer Season

Tribune photo by JOHN CEBALLOS

Sophomore Natalie Preston performs a header during practice for the East Bay High School girls soccer team. The team will play their first game at Freedom High School today.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: November 4, 2008

Updated:

GIBSONTON - When the East Bay High School girls soccer team needed someone to step in and play multiple positions last season, they looked to freshman Natalie Preston.

"She does everything you ask of her, and I asked a lot of her last year," said Claudine Sosa, head coach. "She's very focused and an incredible athlete."

Preston's versatility helped the Indians achieve a 12-2 record. Still, the team was eliminated from its district tournament after losing its first postseason game.

"Our goal this year is definitely to make it past districts," said Preston, whose sophomore season began when East Bay traveled to Freedom High in Tampa on Tuesday.

As for her personal goals, Preston hopes to surpass her goal total from last year. If she gets the playing time, that shouldn't be a problem.

"I only got one goal last year, so I'm really hoping to get more than that this season," she said. "It was a great feeling."

Preston has been playing soccer since she was a 7-year-old in California, where she was born. She moved to Apollo Beach three years ago and is about to begin her second year on East Bay's soccer team.

"I like soccer because being outside and scoring goals fills me with glee," Preston said.

In the spring, she will rejoin the track and field team, where she will likely compete in the 800 meters and high jump.

Preston said she would like to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level. If that doesn't work out, she plans to study dermatology at the University of South Florida or the University of Southern California, where several family members went to school.

First, though, she will look to lock down a position on this year's soccer team.

"I'm not sure what my position on the team is this year, but I'll play anywhere they tell me, as long as I'm out there," Preston said.

GET TO KNOW

WHO: Natalie Preston

AGE: 15

SCHOOL: East Bay High

GRADE: 10th

SPORTS: Soccer, track and field

FUTURE PLANS: Would like to play soccer in college and plans to study dermatology at the University of South Florida or the University of Southern California

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555.

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