Haley Russell was voted Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week after scoring a goal that sent Nansemond River High School to the regional championship game.

Even though this was her last year stepping onto the field for the Lady Warriors soccer team, Russell made sure it was going to be her best season yet. The Lady Warriors just wrapped up their season, falling in the quarterfinals of the state tournament, but how they got there was strong collective team play — and a goal from Russell.

After a strong quarterfinal region win over Princess Anne High School, the Lady Warriors advanced to the semifinals against Menchville High School. With a win, the Lady Warriors advanced to the region championship and earn a bid to the state tournament. After a tough battle, a goal from Russell and a 1-0 win advanced Nansemond River to the state tournament.

“It was an amazing feeling to see how the team worked together,” Russell said after scoring the goal. “The opportunity to finish for the team is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. That goal couldn’t have happened without teamwork, and I felt like that was the key for that game.”

Russell felt good about how this season went, because this was the furthest a Lady Warrior soccer team has been since she has been there. She felt good in how consistent her play was throughout the season. As a midfielder, her goal is to distribute the ball forward and create opportunities for her teammates. She enjoyed the opportunity she had to be able to play with her teammates.

“Overall, I think this season went well,” she said. “High school soccer gave me a chance to play on a team with my friends, and that is what makes it all special.”

She finished her senior season as an All-District and All-Region selection at midfield. All of the accolades were great, but her main goals coming into this season were being a good teammate, having a strong work ethic and being a good role model for the underclassmen.

The heart of her team when they are all competing together is what motivates her. Seeing everybody doing their part to help the whole team succeed motivates her to be even better.

Between swimming and soccer, Russell has had a strong support system of different coaches push her along the way, including Clint Worrell, Shamus Riley, John Allison and Hunter Courtney.

“All of those coaches are just a few people that helped prepare me for where I am today,” she said. “Everyone says it takes a village, and I have a great one.”

Russell will continue her soccer career at Greensboro College. On her visit there, she was introduced to the team and shown the campus. Along with her relationship with the coaching staff, she feels Greensboro will be a perfect fit for her.