Athletic Lareena keeps kicking on
BEING shy does little to stop Walloon soccer player Lareena Meiklejohn from rising rapidly up the ranks.
Her skilful feet do the talking.
Like many talented players her age, Lareena is reserved and modest about her achievements.
However, she can look confidently ahead after a season to remember.
Lareena, who turns 15 next month, made the Australian All-stars team at the recent Christian Football Federation Australia titles at Tingalpa.
Although the honorary team isn't playing a follow-up game, Lareena's selection was reward for extra effort.
"This year, I really got serious,'' the athletic teenager said, having started soccer in 2003.
Her climb to higher honours started after she made the state church soccer team earlier in the year. She gained Queensland selection after representing the west zone under-16 side.
The best was to come when the midfield/forward lined up for Queensland at the national championships.
She shared in Queensland's undefeated campaign at Tingalpa, culminating in a 3-0 grand final win over Western Australia.
Lareena only missed one match after copping a stud in the shin. But with some assistance from her team medical staff, she managed to complete the tournament.
The Rosewood State High year 10 student also represented Met West at this year's state school titles.
Another sign of promise was representing the premiership- winning Whitehill Division 2 club side in the church competition.
Despite being 14, Lareena accepted the challenge to play in open competition and finished the season winning the Golden Boot award.
Her 27 goals against older, more physical players proved she could handle the pressure.
With her representative soccer commitments over for the year, Lareena has been playing indoor soccer for the Whipit and Got No Talent teams at the Ipswich Indoor Sports Centre.
She earlier represented the Ipswich open women's team which won the SuperLeague title.
Lareena has received strong support from her sporty family - mum Kerri, dad Malcom and older brother Dean.
But while enjoying other sports, it's soccer she hopes to pursue seriously in the future.
"I hope to go further,'' she said with a smile.
