BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Legacy High School senior Kamden Kooiman is a two-year soccer captain, multiple time all-region selection, and an all-state player. The sport has been his first love from a young age, and this week he’ll lead the Sabers to their fifth straight state appearance.

“Nothing beats being able to win as a team in soccer,” Kooiman said. “I’ve always loved soccer so much, and scoring.”

Kooiman is scoring this season at will with 12 goals on the pitch, but he’s also scoring on the gridiron.

“It’s always been a soccer player that kicks, and since Reece [Snow] left last year, I was like, ‘Why not?’” Kooiman said.

Kooiman is keeping the tradition alive, becoming the fourth athlete in Legacy’s history to pull double duty on the soccer team and on the football team.

“It’s a lot about being prepared,” Kooiman said.

Kooiman said the hardest part is giving his body rest while balancing a busy schedule. It’s a dedication that sometimes requires four to five hours of practice per day.

“You know, it’s hard enough sometimes to get kids to concentrate for one practice a night,” Sabers’ soccer coach Tom Marcis said. “It’s been a little bit tough on him at times physically, but he’s a tough kid. He plays through that.”

That toughness shows no matter which jersey Kooiman is wearing.

“It’s a great feeling, and I’m always grateful every day that I’m able to play both sports,” Kooiman said.

Kooiman plans to continue his athletic career at the next level on the pitch but is undecided about where he’ll play in college.

“He’s very dedicated as an athlete, but you go to the next level, it’s a different kind of game,” Marcis said. “Can he fit in? Absolutely. Does he have the size to play at the next level? Absolutely.”

Kooiman has three more chances to lead Legacy before making the jump to college, and it all starts at the state tournament on Thursday against Fargo Davies.

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