Green Valley’s Varner named All-American

Green Valley forward Kayla Varner has been named an adidas All-American.

The Gator junior was also named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas All-Region VIII team.

The junior forward led the Gators to a 15-2-1 record as a sophomore last year.

“For the state of Nevada and such a small community, for her to get (the award) is unbelievable,” Green Valley coach Joel Parks said. “That’s how good she is. She’s very determined. Every now and then, you get blessed with somebody like that.”

The junior team captain has orally committed to Brigham Young University. Varner’s mother also played at BYU.

“After her freshman year, I put her in the middle of the field, where she could do more distributing, and she never argued or complained,” head coach Joel Parks said. “She’s not a prima donna; she’ll do anything a coach asks.”

The NSCAA Region VIII comprises soccer coaches in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and Alaska. Varner was the only Nevada player named to the 16-member all-region team.

Former All-America selections from Nevada include Rancho star Zakiya Bywaters, who now plays for UCLA.

Each All-America selection will be recognized Jan. 16 at the All-American Luncheon in Philadelphia.