HUDSONVILLE, Mich. — Kendall Aikens achieved more in four years of high school soccer than what most players dream of during their lives and that stellar prep career reached yet another summit Thursday night.
But even the talented soccer player from western Michigan was a bit surprised when she heard some exciting news Thursday – twice.
Earlier in the day she was told by a friend that she had earned Michigan Gatorade High School Girls Soccer Player of the Year over a deep lists of finalists. On campus of Grand Valley State University – her new home for academics and women’s soccer – she tuned in to watch the 2024 Dream Team Reveal on the Michigan Soccer Network’s YouTube channel, an event that she could not attend.
A Miss Soccer candidate both as a junior and senior, Aikens was named the 41st recipient of the 2024 Miss Soccer award Thursday night at the end of the Dream Team Reveal Show in conjunction with the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association, which voted her as the state’s top player in the state. The honor dates back to 1983.
“I am so honored to win that award,” said the near-speechless Aikens, who recently graduated from Hudsonville High School where she and her team enjoyed four tremendous seasons. “To even be considered for that award is amazing.”
Aikens will join the Grand Valley State soccer team in the fall.
