GAMES
RANKINGS
MEDAL MINDED: Kennedy-Williams Emerging as a Breakout Talent for Eisenhower Girls Track
FROM THE MOMENT SHE STEPPED ONTO THE VARSITY TRACK AS A FRESHMAN, JOURNIE KENNEDY-WILLIAMS MADE HER PRESENCE FELT. THE SPRINTER AND JUMPER QUICKLY TURNED HEADS FOR THE EISENHOWER EAGLES, EARNING MEDALS IN BOTH THE LONG JUMP AND 200M DASH AT THE AREA MEET, WHILE ADVANCING TO REGIONALS IN THE PROCESS.
Versatile across the 100m Dash and 4x100 and 4x200m Relays, Kennedy Williams enters her sophomore season carrying the confidence of early success and the ambition to go even further.
“There was definitely a sense of nervousness for me last year,” she said. “It was intimidating to go against seniors on the varsity level as just a freshman – but it didn’t slow me down. I’m used to it now. So, the goal is to work even harder and get further than the region and make it to State.”
Kennedy-Williams’ passion for track traces back to her family.
“I was introduced to the sport at a young age because my brothers ran. Then I took a break between first and eighth grade because I was in dance during that time. But I eventually rediscovered my passion for track and haven’t stopped since.”
While the rigorous training can be demanding, it’s also part of what keeps her engaged.
“Practice is the most challenging aspect of the sport, especially when we’re really pushed to the limit on a consistent basis. But when those medals come as a result, and you surprise yourself with some new personal records, it’s a lot easier to deal with,” she said.
Beyond the track, Kennedy-Williams’ personality shines through in small, unexpected ways.
“I can be pretty country. I don’t wear socks at all, not even at track meets, so walking around barefoot is nothing new to me. While I haven’t really ridden horses, I used to be at the barn a lot whenever my stepdad had one. All that kind of feeds into my personality.”
The competitive spirit that drives Kennedy-Williams has quickly cemented her standing for the Eagles as they chase district titles and look to make an even bigger impact at Regionals – and, potentially, at State.
GAME ON: Technical Mastery from Arriazola Opens Doors for MacArthur Past District Play
PROVIDING AN UNMISTAKABLE PRESENCE IN THE ATTACKING THIRD THAT CAN TILT A GAME IN AN INSTANT, MACARTHUR JUNIOR STRIKER SANTIAGO ARRIAZOLA HAS ALREADY ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS THE TEAM’S MOST POTENT SCORING THREAT, EARNING DISTRICT 14-6A MVP HONORS LAST WINTER.
THAT SEASON SAW THE GENERALS FINISH 11-3-6 BEFORE NARROWLY FALLING TO THE WOODLANDS IN THE OPENING ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS, BUT ARRIAZOLA’S PERFORMANCES LEFT NO DOUBT ABOUT HIS IMPACT.
“I’ve learned to trust my instincts more as I’ve developed in the attack,” he said. “My communication and positivity with teammates have also played a big role. As a striker, my finishing technique and ability to read space have definitely improved a lot over the past few years.”
Currently, Big Mac eyes its fourth consecutive district title while aiming for a more extended postseason run, hoping to match—or surpass—the three-round journey the team produced in 2023.
For Arriazola, success comes down to more than individual skill.
“Everyone needs to be at their best when we reach that point,” he said. “We need to be giving 110 percent—not just 100. This team knows how we play, how we operate, and I feel like we’re closer than ever. So, playing as a family will be vital toward accomplishing that.”
While Arriazola is primarily a striker, he also sees the game through a broader lens, sometimes slotting into center back. He draws inspiration from the world’s best, citing Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk as a model. “I aspire to be like him because of his demeanor and how physical his play-style is. He’s utilized in set pieces too, so I try to be as well-rounded as he is.”
Part of what drives Santiago is a healthy, competitive push from home, given that his older sister, Emily, is a standout striker for MacArthur’s girls program.
“We always push ourselves to the limits, so there’s definitely a competitive aspect between us,” he said with a smile. “But we’re still there to support and root for each other when we can.”
With his instincts sharpened, his finishing refined, and his team firing on all cylinders, Arriazola represents both the present and future of MacArthur soccer. As the Generals chase another district crown and set their sights on postseason glory, it’s clear their pivotal weapon will be leading the charge every step of the way.