Camas girls soccer team gains national attention

Maddie Kemp and Roland Minder received the highest honors from the Washington State Soccer Coaches Association, but it took all 22 Camas girls to finish No. 1 in the MaxPreps National Rankings.

“This team accomplished things that are going to be hard to replicate,” Minder said. “State champions, undefeated, giving up just two goals in 22 games. That’s surreal.”

For their accomplishments, the Papermakers and their head coach, gained state and nationwide honors.

Kemp was named the Class 4A girls soccer MVP. She scored a school record 31 goals this season, including five hat-tricks.

“It was a special year. I’m going to remember it for the rest of my life,” Kemp said. “I’m happy these girls were there with me. We did all of this together.”

Minder said Kemp has a great shot at breaking the career scoring record at Camas.

“Nobody deserves it more than he does. He helps us all get further in our soccer careers,” Kemp said. “All the years he’s been working to get us that state title; he’s someone that deserves it.”

Minder and Kemp look forward to celebrating their accomplishments once more at the CHS state champions ceremony Thursday, at 5:30 p.m., in the main gym.

“We’re such a small town and our community means so much to us,” Kemp said. “This is our opportunity to say ‘thank you.'”

Kemp will never forget the lessons she learned from the 10 CHS seniors on this soccer team. She will do everything she can to carry on their sisterhood.

“People remember our success on the field, but that connection off the field is what I’m going to miss the most.”