Avon Native Kia McNeill Excelling for Philadelphia Soccer Team

Kia McNeill is always up for a thrill ride at an amusement park.

The Avon native uses roller coasters as an escape from the world of professional soccer.  It is quite a contrast from her life on the soccer field.

“I always loved roller coasters,” said McNeill.  “I always loved going to Six Flags.  It kind of takes my mind off the game but still gives me that same thrill.  I really enjoy going on them when I can get away from the field a little bit.”

While McNeill loves the ups and downs of a roller coaster, she is steady as a rock as a defender for the Philadelphia Independence of the Women’s Professional Soccer League.  McNeill is a true workhorse for a team that is contending for a championship this summer.  McNeill has played a key role in helping the Independence jump out to an 8-3-3 record. She has started in all 14 games for the Independence and has emerged as one of the team’s top players on the back line.

“Hard work definitely pays off with our team,” McNeill said.  “It’s been showing with our results.  We’re definitely putting in the work and putting in the hours on and off the field.”

McNeill knows the key to her endurance is a strong conditioning program. The hot summer months provide a true test for the players around the league, but McNeill has put in the work needed to survive the dog days of the regular season.

“That’s probably the biggest part of it,” said McNeill.  “You have to stay mentally and physically engaged.  It’s about keeping up your fitness over the last month of the season in your most important games.  We want to win a championship and endurance plays a huge role.”

McNeill began playing in the women's professional league two years ago in St. Louis.  Last year, McNeill played for the Atlanta Beat before deciding to come to the "city of brotherly love" this summer.

“I love it here in Philly,” McNeill said.  “I think soccer-wise, the community and the fans that we have here and the whole organization has been incredible.  This is the way a professional organization should be run.”

McNeill left Avon High School as one of the top soccer players in the state. She was the Connecticut 2003 Player of the Year and led the Falcons to three straight undefeated seasons, as well as three Class M state championships.

“It makes me look back and realize you can’t take those three seasons for granted,” said McNeill.  “Some people never play for an undefeated team and I got to do that for three years in a row.  It’s something that’s really special and something that will always be a highlight in my life."

McNeill believes her soccer success is largely due to the strength of the sport in her hometown. Like many of her Avon classmates, her love for soccer began at an early age.

“I feel like that’s what every kid in Avon starts out playing,” McNeill said. “They start out in the youth programs and the rec leagues.  That’s kind of how I started, too.  Even though it’s a small town, I think a lot of great athletes come through the town and the school system.”

McNeill was one of many Americans caught up in the excitement of the World Cup Soccer Tournament.  Despite the heartbreaking ending for the Americans, McNeill is hoping the momentum created by the tournament will carry over to women's professional soccer in the U.S.

“I think it’s incredible,” said McNeill. “It’s just the general buzz the World Cup has generated and the way people are talking about it. You see it on ESPN. That buzz is very important for us in our professional league and important for the future of women’s soccer."

McNeill is making the most of her time in Philadelphia.  She is hoping the 2011 season will end with a championship.

“I’m really excited for the playoffs,” McNeill said.  “We have to keep taking care of business on the field.  Everybody is fighting for the championship and I love that type of competition.”