GAMES
RANKINGS
MacArthur's Madisson Duran
IN THE GENES: Soccer comes naturally to MacArthur's Duran
“It all began with my parents’ support,” she said. “My whole family played, and they’ve always been there for me as I try to carry on the tradition. I feel like soccer makes me who I am. Anytime I haven’t been playing, it’s almost like I’ve lost a part of myself. Since I’m the middle child, I also try to set a good example for my younger siblings, so they can feel the same way.”
Of course, it took some time for her to develop a knack for the sport.
“When I first started playing, when I was about six or seven, I didn’t know what I was doing,” laughed Duran. “I was just on the field with no idea how to play for my team at the time. But they needed a goalkeeper, and they chose me – the tiniest girl on the field.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“After that, I just ran with it. At this point, though, I can play any position on the field if needed. But I’ve been a goalie since the beginning, so that’s where I normally am.”
Duran isn’t the “tiny girl” she once was. She’s made quite a name for herself between the posts, evidenced by her exceptional performance last year that earned her District 14-6A Goalkeeper of the Year honors – the third consecutive year she received such an award.
But for Duran, it’s not all about the accolades.
“One of the best memories I have with this team is easily from my freshman year when we went to Six Flags,” she said. “We went on all the rides, and we convinced one of my teammates, who was afraid of heights, to sit in the front seat of a roller coaster with us.
“She literally passed out, and we all thought it was so funny. To this day, I’ll remind her of it, and we’ll both laugh. It’s those types of little experiences that mean the most, and they’re the ones you remember the longest.”
As a team, MacArthur has finished atop the district standings each of the last five years, most recently going 14-0 last winter, which extended their district win streak to 34 games.
2024-25 MacArthur High School Girls SoccerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
However, they’ve faced challenges in making deep playoff runs, often due to a tough opening-round opponent from Conroe ISD – most recently, College Park, where the Lady Generals narrowly fell 2-1.
So, what will it take for them to break that early-exit stigma?
“We need to be stronger, both physically and mentally,” said Duran. “Once we get to the playoffs, our minds and bodies need to be more stable – especially in that first round. That comes with the belief we have in each other and in ourselves. We’re right there in a lot of these games, so we can’t put our heads down at that point.”
With Duran in goal, and a talented squad taking the field this year, another district title is likely in the cards for MacArthur.
But they’ll have even greater aspirations in the weeks to come.
TWCA's Kate Murphy
MAKING HER STORY: Murphy learning life lessons from the beautiful game
The senior center-back anchors the Warriors’ defense, but her soccer journey only began as a sophomore
.“I used to cheer and do gymnastics,” she said with a laugh. “Most of my friends were playing soccer, and it looked fun. I picked it up because of them, but it’s taught me so much more than I expected. I’ve struggled with anxiety growing up, which also leads to OCD. I’m wired to want everything to be perfect, but soccer has helped me realize that perfection isn’t possible. It’s about working toward a bigger goal, not just focusing on what’s right in front of you.”
2024-25 TWCA Girls Soccer Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The self-motivated teen credits the sport for instilling a deeper sense of discipline and perspective.
“Soccer has brought more structure and time management into my life,” Murphy explained. “That discipline has also pushed me to take more initiative in other areas, like going to church—even if I don’t have anyone to go with. The sport has helped me build a closer relationship with God.”
Murphy’s commitment to growth extends beyond the field.She’s an active member of Student Council, the Spanish Club, and Interact—a service-oriented organization.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I like to stay involved,” she said. “Interact is all about service projects, like food drives, working with foster kids, Bible studies, and even helping with the IRONMAN in The Woodlands. It’s about making a difference in the community.”
Her selflessness is a recurring theme in both her present activities and future aspirations. Murphy plans to pursue a career in health care.
“I’m a nurturer,” she said. “I want to make a difference and be hands-on in my career. I want to be part of a team that brings about good, and I’ve learned a lot about that through soccer.”
It seems the beautiful game has taught Murphy more than she ever imagined.