She started out holding her daddy’s hands as she kicked the ball as far as she could.  Now she is playing under stadium lights, intercepting passes and side stepping the other players.  To sophomore Audrey Freeman, soccer is more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle.

“When I step on the field, all my worries just leave and everything goes away,” Freeman said.  “The teammates and people I meet are amazing and are like my family.”

Freeman plays center back and occasionally outside back (defense) for McLean’s varsity team, which she has been a member of since freshman year, FC Virginia U16 ECNL (a club team), and for the Olympic Development Program (ODP).

“Audrey’s a great defender, she understands the concepts and what we’re trying to do, she listens, and is very good at communicating with me,” freshman varsity goalie Lydia Erikson said. “On the field she’s an amazing defender to work with.  Off the field she’s just the same, she’s nice, fun to be around, and a very smart girl.”

This season, Freeman has had one goal and two assists.  With a record of 5-2-1, the varsity girls have continued to keep a similar record as last year’s, in spite of only having one senior and the majority of the team being made up of underclassmen.

Playing soccer since she was 4, Freeman has grown and developed into a player that now colleges are interested in looking into.  She has already been in contact with the Miami coaches, the Washing University coaches and Lehigh, along with many others on her list. Hoping for a scholarship, Freeman wishes to play at a Division 1 level.

“Soccer is one of those sports that you can go anywhere in the world and play a pickup game and not even speak the same language but can connect through your love of the game,” Freeman said.