Baker’s Miranda lands at Webber
In 13 years of playing soccer, Ida Baker senior Isa Miranda displayed many skills, including speed, quickness, leadership and the drive to be great.
Not even an ACL injury, that wiped out most of her senior year, could change the scouting report. If anything, the hard work and perseverance Miranda showed in returning to the field garnered more respect.
Miranda signed a soccer scholarship with Webber International University Friday in the Baker auditorium. At Webber, located in Babson Park, Miranda will play for coach Jami Hagy, a former Mariner High standout.
Coincidentally, Hagy battled through eight knee surgeries during her playing career at Mariner and Webber.
“I knew through hard work and dedication she could get through it,” said Hagy, who will enter her second season as head coach.
Miranda, who plans to major in sports management, gets an opportunity to continue her soccer career, which started when she was 5. She honed her skills competitively in Cape Coral, in addition to playing for the Bulldogs.
As a junior, Miranda became one of the top offensive threats and helped the Bulldogs earn their first regional playoff berth.
Her main goal this past season was getting back on the field, after having ACL surgery in August. She managed to play in the final seven games for the Bulldogs.
“It was horrible, the feeling of helplessness,” Miranda said. “I went to work, trying to get back out there.”
Before returning to the lineup, Miranda remained a key member of the team, accepting a leadership role on the sideline. Her speed and hustle, though, were difficult to replace.
“She brings 100 percent work rate. She gives it all on the field,” said Bill Carvalho, who coached Miranda for six years in both high school and club soccer.
Miranda becomes the second Cape area player to sign with Webber since Hagy took over as head coach. Mariner’s Magen Carey signed with Webber last year and made second-team All-Conference as a freshman.