Tony Vasquez is in his 20th season as the coach of the Live Oak High girls soccer team, and there’s something noticeably different at the Acorns’ games this year.
“I’ve never had college coaches come watch high school games the way they have this season,” Vasquez said.
Mind you, this is no small feat considering college coaches appear more often at showcase club tournaments than high school contests. But there’s one swift reason why those coaches are showing up at Live Oak matches this season: Karlie Lema. The freshman sensation—the 5-foot-9 Lema has made a verbal commitment to play at Cal—had an astounding 12 goals in the first five games of the season, which is even more impressive considering teams always have two to three defenders marking her every move.
When high-profile talents arrive on the high school scene, they sometimes struggle adjusting to the high school game—but not for the reasons that you might think. Competition-wise, players like Lema are facing top-notch talent every weekend. But it’s the social dynamics and expectations that sometimes derail a promising talent in the beginning at the prep level. Not so with Lema, who seemingly has the maturity of an athlete well beyond her years.
“If teams are dropping back and trying to take runs at me, I know I have to stay patient and not get frustrated,” Lema said. “A lot of it is a mental game because sometimes the opposing team will try to push me or take me out, so I have to stay calm and not get too mad. I try to play the ball to my teammates as much as possible so we can get in on the goal or make some combos and get to the goal instead of me taking it up by myself.”
Vasquez has been impressed that Lema has maintained a high level of play so far.
“Most of the time even the best freshmen struggle to adjust to a lot of things,” he said. “So far she has not struggled, which is very rare to be honest with you.”
Lema is an all-around talent who possesses tremendous speed—she’s a three-time Junior Olympics participant in track and field—while also having the ability to kick effectively with both feet, see the field of play and unleash shots in rapid-fire fashion. Although Lema’s physical skills are extraordinary, it’s her unbelievable drive and competitiveness that sets her apart.
Vasquez, who also coaches Lema for the Orchard Valley Revolution 15-and-under team, gave a great example of just how much Lema desires to be the best.
“About a year ago we’re playing a game called World Cup, something she loves to play,” he said. “I was actually in the game and talking a little trash because I like to talk to the girls and get under their skin a little bit. There were two teams left—my team and her team. Our team beat her team, and she was so mad. I don’t want to say she was crying, but she had this look of frustration in this fun practice time. Everyone was laughing, but she took it so personally. That was the moment I knew she just hates to lose.”
When it comes to sorts, the only time Lema acts like a freshman is when college coaches are in the stands.
“I get a little nervous when I know they’re there,” she said.
Lema is also is a discovery/guest player for Mountain View Los Altos Soccer Club, meaning she can play for the team in showcases and tournaments. The fleet-footed striker hopes to lead the Acorns to a league championship and deep playoff run. In last year’s Junior Olympics, Lema finished third in the 200-meter hurdles and fifth in the long jump in her age group.
Lema also excels in the classroom, as she recently completed the first semester with straight A’s.
“I’m most proud of being able to keep my grades up and playing soccer at the same time,” she said.
Vasquez was effusive in his praise for Lema, whose indefatigable work ethic is the main reason for her success on and off the field.
“She’s one of those top 5, top 10 percent of kids who are smart, educated and a great athlete all mixed in one,” Vasquez said. “That’s Karlie, and it’s been such a blessing to coach her. Her work ethic at practices is something, and I’ve never seen anyone work as hard as she does. She sets the tone in practices because of her work rate and intensity level.”
Although it’s no longer rare for high school freshmen to make a verbal commitment to play for a college, it’s still a feat in itself because it means big-time programs see tremendous potential and talent in the player. Lema loves everything about Cal, having gone to one of its soccer camps. One thing is for certain: Lema will continue to work hard to improve, and complacency won’t be an issue.
“I’ve always wanted to win and be the best, and the only way to do that is to work for it,” she said.
