Team Captain Marissa Horton is a key factor to the success of the Lady Raiders Soccer team this season.

Even though the team scores all the goals, it’s Horton’s leadership that stands out. Her teammates respect her and listen to what she has to say.

“She is a natural born leader,” said Moorpark College’s Head Coach Eric Privat. “She inspires respect from her team members.”

Horton is not only skilled in leadership, but has keen soccer skills as well. She controls the ball, knows what runs to make, and when to make them, and has a good sense of what to do when she is under pressure.

“She has superior communication skills, natural, physical, technical and tactical abilities,” said Privat. “She is able to process and asses a situation under pressure.”

Horton’s number one priority is not to make herself look good, but to do what she can so the team wins. The love Horton has for her teammates is evident when she plays.

“I am a team player,” said Horton. “I love being able to play with such amazing girls.”

Horton is one of the center midfielders on the team. A center midfielder requires endurance to be able to run up and down the field. It also demands someone who makes smart passes that will feed the forward goal scoring opportunities.

“Marissa is a midfielder and covers a average of nine to 10 miles per game,” said Privat. “She has a high ratio of effective and connected passes.”

In order to be the player Horton is today, takes a lot of dedication. She has a passion for the game, and a great support system with her family.

“The reason I am the player that I am today is because of my family, coaches, teammates, and love for the game,” said Horton. “My greatest soccer inspiration is my brother Jesse.”

With half of the soccer season left, Horton will continue to lead the Lady Raiders. Horton is the kind of player who makes her school proud.