By KENTON MAKINStaff writer
Aiken Standard
The athletic career of Aiken High School soccer standout Walenda Raiford, like the path of many budding student-athletes, deals greatly in kinetics.Raiford, with his physical presence and speed, offered glimpses of potential during his two-year tenure with the Hornets' soccer team.
Raiford's defining play as a prep player, though, came during the toughest of transitional periods - the Class AAAA playoffs and its single-elimination format.The player affectionately called "Wally" scored the lone goal in Aiken's 1-0 second-round victory over Lexington High School, a play that vaulted the Hornets into the Lower State semifinals.On Monday, Raiford made a similar life-changing ascension when he signed a letter of intent to play collegiate soccer for the USC Salkehatchie."It's a small community where I can focus on my schoolwork and play soccer," Raiford said when asked about his decision.Aiken coach Roger Carpenter remarked upon Raiford's work ethic and maturity - how the Hornet forward/midfielder fervently worked through challenges."Wally's a hard worker on the field, and he always seems to have a smile on his face," Carpenter said.
The athletic career of Aiken High School soccer standout Walenda Raiford, like the path of many budding student-athletes, deals greatly in kinetics.Raiford, with his physical presence and speed, offered glimpses of potential during his two-year tenure with the Hornets' soccer team.
Raiford's defining play as a prep player, though, came during the toughest of transitional periods - the Class AAAA playoffs and its single-elimination format.The player affectionately called "Wally" scored the lone goal in Aiken's 1-0 second-round victory over Lexington High School, a play that vaulted the Hornets into the Lower State semifinals.On Monday, Raiford made a similar life-changing ascension when he signed a letter of intent to play collegiate soccer for the USC Salkehatchie."It's a small community where I can focus on my schoolwork and play soccer," Raiford said when asked about his decision.Aiken coach Roger Carpenter remarked upon Raiford's work ethic and maturity - how the Hornet forward/midfielder fervently worked through challenges."Wally's a hard worker on the field, and he always seems to have a smile on his face," Carpenter said.
"He took adversity in stride, kept working, then got better and better. He did good things for us. He always had a knack for being in the right place at the right time."Raiford's eight goals during the season was tied for second-most on the team. Raiford's final goal - the shot against Lexington - proved to be the most important for an Aiken team that featured 12 seniors.
"I beat the goalie to the ball and chipped it over," Raiford said. "We all came together at the end of the year - we've been playing together forever. Coach Carpenter is a good coach, and he brought us a long way."
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