Goaltender guards Silverado net, high GPA

Not all of Southern Nevada’s best soccer players have signed athletic scholarships.

Silverado senior goalkeeper Samantha Lewis plans to attend UNLV based more on her 4.6 grade-point average than her eye-opening 13 shutouts this season, the  most in Class 4A.

Silverado faces Las Vegas in the first round of the Southern Nevada championships, which begin at 4 p.m. today at Bettye Wilson Park.

With Lewis in net, the Skyhawks have outscored opponents 49-7, allowing six of those goals to Southeast League champion Green Valley.

“We emphasize defense a lot, because if they can’t score, they can’t win,” Lewis said. “We make sure our defense is just as vital, and they know we put a big emphasis on that. We like to build up from the back and work everybody into the ball. We always say 'defense first.’ ”

Lewis has played a huge role in the Skyhawks’ success, whether she’s guarding the goal, plastering Senior Day signs last week in tribute to her 10 fellow seniors or setting an example while studying for one of her advanced placement classes.

“Sammie’s been our starting keeper for three years. At the end of last season, I had no doubt who one of my captains would be, and it would be Sammie,” third-year coach Jenna Carter said. “Not only on the soccer field, but off it, she is one of the best kids I’ve ever met.

“She’s completely well-rounded in school, academics, athletics, community activities; just a great kid all around. She always has a smile on her face, trying to cheer on everybody, trying to pick up the team, and doing something for everyone.”

Whether on the field or in the classroom, Lewis plans to take her game to the next level.

“I never thought I was good enough to play college ball. This season has definitely changed my ideas on that prospect of playing in college,” said Lewis, who will attend UNLV on an academic scholarship to study premedicine. “I definitely love the game, and I would never want to stop playing it.”

Lewis said she’ll try to earn a spot with the Rebels.

“I definitely want to play in college if I get the opportunity to,” Lewis added. “I think it would be a lot of fun to experience that, and I definitely love playing (soccer).”

Lewis admits the Skyhawks’ success this season caught her by surprise.

“It’s very surreal. I would have never, ever thought we would be this good,” Lewis said. “But we came together and played so well together, and to have so many shutouts as a team. It builds our confidence and makes us want to play even harder for the next games.”

The Skyhawks’ future begins today against Las Vegas.

“Going in as the No. 2 seed, it’s not a bad place to be,” Carter said. “We see some teams from the other side of town that we haven’t seen this year. We faced Eldorado in our first preseason game and come away with a win there. So we’re looking forward to the competition.”