Worthington — In the Ohio Capital Conference soccer scene this fall, one name stood out among a sea of talented athletes. Audrey Bennett, a freshman from Worthington Kilbourne, was the only player—boys or girls—to be named a first-team all-conference selection and/or all-district honors, an impressive and rare achievement.
A multi-sport athlete, Audrey Bennett seized the opportunity to make an impact as a freshman on the Kilbourne roster. “I worked hard and earned my spot as a center forward,” Bennett said. “I was lucky that my coaches gave me playing time early in the season, and each time I stepped on the field, I wanted to prove myself.” Her passion for the game began in her early years growing up in Worthington.
“I started playing recreational soccer when I was five, and when I was around eight years old, I moved up to play for Worthington United on an actual club team,” she explained. “I have loved soccer from such a young age; therefore, I will always continue to have a soft spot and passion for the sport. Because of soccer, I have best friends for life and endless memories.”
As her freshman season progressed, injuries plagued the Lady Wolves roster, forcing changes that put Bennett in the spotlight. “Unfortunately, the team suffered many injuries, which led to some adjustments to positions and formations across the whole field,” she said. “This provided even more opportunity for playing time for me. Each time I was on the field, I wanted to be sure I was contributing.”
Bennett quickly learned that high school soccer in Central Ohio is vastly different from club soccer, but the learning curve never held her back. “It was a whole new experience for me. It didn’t take long before I adjusted and became just another player on the team,” she said. “I think I finally started to feel comfortable on the field after scoring my first couple of goals and overall contributing to the team.”
As the season went on, Bennett became a core part of the Kilbourne lineup, playing a key role in many scoring plays, either as the scorer or a contributor to the setup. She credits much of her success to her teammates, adding that being named a first-team all-OCC selection wasn’t something she had set out to achieve. “This wasn’t a goal I set for myself; I was just very fortunate to receive good looks from teammates on the field allowing me to score.”
After earning first-team all-OCC honors, Bennett followed it up with all-district recognition in the playoffs. Kilbourne’s season ended against state champion Bishop Watterson, but that didn’t overshadow the memories of her freshman year on the pitch. Some of her favorite moments included games against rival Dublin Scioto and Bishop Hartley.
In a comeback win over the Lady Irish, Bennett reflected on a key moment in the midst of the team’s rally: “My teammate was dribbling the ball up the right side of the field. She crossed it to me, and I received the ball in the air and one-touched it into the goal,” Bennett recalled. “We came back to win after being down 2-0 at halftime. I think because we had earned that win as a team and because Dublin Scioto is one of our rivals, we were beyond proud of the win.”
In a game against Bishop Hartley early in the season, Bennett, with some help from her teammates, orchestrated a dramatic comeback, scoring twice in the final five minutes to lead Kilbourne to a 2-1 victory. It was one of the first glimpses that Central Ohio got of the immense talent Bennett possesses.
Despite the remarkable success of her freshman year, Bennett is maintaining a humble mindset as she looks ahead to next season. “For my sophomore season, I plan on continuing to be a strong asset to the team and play in whatever role is needed,” she said. “I credit my teammates and coaches for helping me have an amazing season.”
Her talent is indisputable, and her role indispensable, but Bennett credits her coaches and teammates for helping her grow both as an athlete and as a young woman. “From the beginning of the season, everyone, including the coaches, welcomed me knowing I was the only freshman,” she reflected. “Everyone cared for one another and respected each other. I felt as though everyone trusted me and treated me the same as any other player on the team. They continue to push me to be the best version of myself on and off the field.”
On the field, Bennett believes that learning how to leverage her talent and be a true contributor were key to her development. “I would consider my speed, my passing, and my ability to use my footwork to be my biggest strengths on the field. These skills allow me to find open pockets for teammates to score or for myself as well,” she explained. “I gained trust with my teammates and confidence within myself. I learned that hard work and focus are important to excel on the team. I also learned the importance of playing more physical and how to leverage my speed and foot skills.”
Bennett may become best known as an emerging, possibly national talent on the hardwood, but her accomplishments on the soccer field are nothing short of remarkable for a freshman. Audrey Bennett is a name that many in Central Ohio will soon recognize and remember. To them, she will be an exceptional athlete. To those who know her, she is a humble, team-oriented, and selfless young woman who always puts the team’s best interest before her own. It is these characteristics that will undoubtedly propel her to great success both on and off the field.
Looking ahead, Audrey’s freshman year is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting athletic career. With a strong foundation in soccer and a rising profile in basketball, her versatility and drive make her a force to be reckoned with in both sports. As she continues to grow on the field and the court, there’s no doubt that Audrey’s work ethic and humble leadership will propel her to even greater achievements in the years to come. Her freshman season is a glimpse of the bright future that lies ahead, and it’s clear that Audrey Bennett is a name Central Ohio will be hearing for a long time.
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