Athlete Spotlight: Sarah Helderop
MANDAN – Even before Mandan’s Sarah Helderop stepped foot on the pitch for her first high school match, she was ready for the moment.
The junior was playing soccer as early as age three in the YMCA and youth parks and recreation programs. By age seven she was playing on organized teams and eventually elevated to club ball in her grade school years. Her blossoming talent caught the eyes of others and she was selected for the Milan Jr. Academy team at age 11.
“I always wanted to play soccer because my older brother, Nikko, played,’’ Helderop explains. “We were always traveling with him (to matches). Every time he went to lessons I was able to tag along and kick on the side or watch.”
It doesn’t take long to notice Helderop on the field. When there is an offensive chance for the Braves, Sarah is right in the middle of it.
“She uses space very well in terms of getting herself open for her teammates to find her,’’ says Braves coach Aaron McElwee. “She has an eye for the goal and is always in the right place at the right time. She is so dangerous on the ball and drives at the defenders.”
As a freshman she tallied a dozen goals and led the team with 14 points in conference play. Her breakout season came a year ago when she netted 32 goals and 41 points in WDA play.
“I would say by biggest asset is my ability to use both feet (in controlling the ball. I really don’t have a preference for left or right. Because I started taking foot skills at a such a young age, I think that was most impactful for my development and also me to see the field shen I have the ball at my feet.”
McElwee says that skill is so critical for a player as it enables them to find open players quickly and put defenders in tough positions.
Opponents are certainly aware of Sarah’s scoring prowess and that means No. 6 gets plenty of attention from defenders. McElwee combats that by moving her around the field at times to get her different angles to the goal and keep teams guess where she can attack from. “Sarah has free license to move anywhere on the field at any time,’’ he said.
Perhaps the word that best describes Sarah is adaptable
Playing on different club teams throughout the years she has had to adapt quickly to the tendencies and skills of teammates. And that has be something Sarah has managed to do.
“It definitely helps a lot when you know your teammates and how they play,’’ she says. “But when you play often with people you don’t now, you have to figure out where you can create opportunities.”
The all-state selection also knows her contributions don’t just end with putting the ball in the goal. “She is a fabulous leader on and off the field,’’ McElwee says. “She has been helping guide the younger players so far this season during training sessions, half time and during games.”
Soccer is Sarah’s favorite sport, and one that is a big part of her family’s life. However, she is quite impactful in on the basketball court as well. “I’ve love playing every sport I could, since I was little,’’ she said. “I love the training and competing no matter which sport (it is).”
The Mandan program has emerged as a perennial contender for a state tournament berth and challenge for top placings at state.
The soccer community is strong and does a good job introducing the game to young players with club soccer. and creating a fun atmosphere, Sarah said
That has helped grow the sport and develop players like Helderop. And while she has become a standout, team success is her main focus. “We all want to get better and want to win,’’ she says. “There always time to build and times to flourish. That’s the fun of soccer.”
She still has plenty of matches ahead in a Mandan uniform, but the down-the-road plan is to play at the college level. It’s something she is excited for, but knows there is still many memories to make in high school.
“Sarah is a fantastic person first followed by being a great teammate and player,’’ McElwee says. “A lot of players look up to her. Here present is black and white, but her future is going to be bright.”