Being a part of a collegiate sports team is demanding; it calls for dedication, hard work and sacrifice. Three things UNC Wilmington women’s soccer player Maddie McCormick knows all too well.

Soccer runs in the McCormick family, as the sophomore’s older sister and parents both played soccer while in school.

McCormick attended Alexis I. DuPont High School in Delaware where she earned Player-of-the-Year after scoring 48 points in 14 games during her junior season with 17 goals and 14 assists.

She was also elected twice for the First-Team All-State selection, guiding the Tigers (her high school team) to the 2011 Flight a State Championship and leading her team to three straight state tournament appearances and two Blue Hen Conference titles.

McCormick lines up as center forward for the Seahawks, a position that has allowed her to contribute greatly on offense as she ranks second on the team in points with 16, having six goals and four assists on the season.

“I try to be a leader when I can,” McCormick said. “I try to be positive on the field.”

McCormick’s ability on the field has earned her the respect of her teammates as well.

“She has such a fun and lively personality,” said teammate Katie O’Donnell. “On the field, it’s a 360—she’s focused and serious and one of the best players on the team and a really good leader.”

The success of the team this year can be attributed to many things, but none is more important than the chemistry they have shown on the field.

“I am very close with the girls on the team,” McCormick said. “Our motto is ‘together’ and we really embrace that saying. The team is one big family who would do anything for each other. I think that helps us play well on the field.”