By STEFAN MODRICH, Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — La Feria senior Joscelyn Lizcano understands what it takes to be a leader. As the Lionettes’ top scorer in 2019, she was named District 32-4A offensive MVP.
The four-year letterwinner has clinched a playoff berth each year she has suited up for La Feria. She has played in the postseason for the past three years, helping her team capture its fifth consecutive district title in 2019. She has advanced to the second round of the postseason three times, and to the third round in her sophomore season.
For her efforts in finding ways to help her team at multiple positions, Lizcano is The Valley Morning Star’s 2020 All-STAR Girls Soccer Utility Player of the Year.
La Feria first-year coach Juan Echevarria said the award and the recognition Lizcano earned for her play was a fitting way for his top player to cap her career with the Lionettes.
“My initial reaction to receiving this award was very heartfelt,” Lizcano said. “I automatically reminisced to all the training, games and to all the times I was resilient. This award means so much to me as it is the last award I will earn as a senior.”
She added that her experience helped fuel her desire to keep learning and growing as she cemented her status as one of the top sub-5A players in the Rio Grande Valley. Lizcano prepared mentally and physically to step up her game as a leader the previous season, and so she was not fazed by the next task in front of her.
“The intensity of last year’s season helped (improve) how I played this year,” Lizcano said. “I wanted to better myself as a player individually and in conjunction, to have a better team connection.”
Lizcano was reliable as a defender, forward and center midfielder for the Lionettes, and once again was the team’s top scorer, facing off against her opponents’ top defenders and absorbing their toughest hits.
“The only position we didn’t play her at was goalie,” Echevarria said. “But I’m sure she could have done great at that if we needed her.”
The La Feria coach knew he could depend on Lizcano to do more than merely fill in as a replacement-level player for other injured starters.
“She had great ball control, the best on the team,” Echevarria said. “She had great (field) vision, and any of the plays that we made were going to have to go through her. If we get her the ball, she’ll know when to take it herself or to distribute it (to her teammates).”
She was unanimously chosen by the Lionettes’ coaching staff as one of La Feria’s three team captains for the 2020 season, due to her dedication and teamwork.
Lizcano said she was thankful for the impact her coaches had on her during her final season.
“Playing for Coach Echevarria was a privilege,” Lizcano said. “He has showcased wonderful qualities that have helped the team unite as one. As well as (assistant coaches Yvette Rodriguez and Mario Perez), they have helped show my true potential on the field, by not only being my coaches but my supporters.”
Lizcano said she is a “disciplined and vocal” leader, and her coach agreed, adding that she would lead by example on the practice field and in game situations.
Despite the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic making the chance of actually playing out Lizcano’s final postseason berth unlikely for the Lionettes, she said she has plenty to look back on fondly about her final season.
“What I will take away from this season is the bonds I have made with the girls this year,” Lizcano said. “All the quality player interaction time, the fun practices as well as the hard (workouts), to the way the team sparks when (we play) together.”
She still keeps in touch with her teammates regularly via their group chat, a byproduct of her efforts to improve the communication on the field. Lizcano said developing better rapport with her teammates was a point of emphasis for her heading into the season.
“Having communication on and off the field has helped me have a better feel of play with my teammates,” Lizcano said.
Lizcano set the tone for the Lionettes in the weight room and started every game, from the preseason to their final district contest.
“I would love to personally thank my parents for guiding me throughout my soccer career, with nonstop love and support,” Lizcano said. “As well as my sister Juleanna, (my best friend) Sydney, and my boyfriend Alex Ruiz. I can’t forget about my first soccer coach, Jesse Villarreal, who taught me the techniques and ways of soccer. As well as my (select team teammates) Caroline Grannum and Korynne Reininger for being my only two soccer friends back (in 2014), my sisters, I love you all.”