Duo Spotlight: Mike Eck and Jillian Ming

Two dedicated soccer athletes, Mike Eck and Jillian Ming, are making a strong impact on their teams this season through hard work, teamwork, and determination.
by Elly Croft and Gracie Edwards

​Two dedicated soccer athletes, Mike Eck and Jillian Ming, are making a strong impact on their teams this season through hard work, teamwork, and determination. Both players have grown as athletes over the years and continue to push themselves to improve their skills while helping their teams succeed. Their commitment to the sport and to their teammates has helped create a stronger and more united team environment.

Jillian Ming
Jillian Ming has been involved in soccer since she was young. She says, “I was put in it when I was young, and I stuck with it.” Over time, she has seen her team improve, especially in the way they work together. She explained that last year the team had many new and talented players but struggled with teamwork at first. Now, she says, “We can work well together and pass well.”
According to Jillian, one of the team's biggest strengths is, “[How we] pass very well and our communication is good.” She also hopes to continue improving her goalie skills as the season goes on. Jillian believes the team’s strong work ethic and high intensity help push her to become a better athlete.

Mike Eck
Mike Eck also started playing soccer at a young age after being encouraged by his family. Mike says, “Everyone in my family started playing, so my mom signed me up when I was young.” Since then, he has continued playing. Mike talks about how growing physically has helped him improve his game. He says, "I used to be short, so now I've grown a lot, so I'm able to keep up with the older guys.” He is proud of the team’s success last season, especially their strong 5–1 record in region play. Mike believes the team does a good job staying united during difficult times and maintaining a strong team bond. He also thinks the team has developed a winning mentality, where players expect to succeed and stay focused on their goals. He says, “Having a better winning mentality [helps], because I think we just expect to win, so we don't get excited anymore.” This mindset has helped them stay confident and competitive throughout the season. Mike has also taken on a leadership role, helping guide younger players and setting a positive example for the team.


Both Jillian and Mike show that dedication, teamwork, and perseverance are important qualities for success in soccer. Through their effort and positive attitude, they continue to grow as athletes while helping their teams improve and succeed.