Chillicothe’s Addie Erslan selected as SOSA’s co-Girls Soccer Player of the Year

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

CHILLICOTHE — Dating back to her freshman year, everyone knew that Chillicothe’s Addie Erslan was simply special on the soccer pitch.

And she’s lived up to every bit of the hype since.

As a freshman, Erslan scored 28 goals and passed out 14 assists as the Cavaliers made it to a Division II district final before falling to Unioto.

And although Chillicothe has flip-flopped between Division I and Division II, Erslan’s play has remained as consistent as ever.

The senior put the cherry on top this past fall by scoring 21 goals and passing out nine assists, leading the Cavaliers to a 14-3 record, one that included a sixth straight FAC championship.

And for those efforts, she’s been named SOSA co-Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

“Because of COVID-19, nobody knew if we would even be able to have a season, which made me realize how much I took the game of soccer for granted,” Erslan said. “I think the biggest improvement I made this year was how I approached every game. I played with the mentality that every game could be my last, and that allowed me to forget about the things I couldn’t control and to enjoy my last season of high school soccer.”

Alongside the battle with COVID, her role on the team had also expanded ever so slightly as she was the only senior on a team comprised of mostly sophomores and freshmen.

“I didn’t feel pressure [to be a leader], but I did feel as if my role from previous years had changed,” Erslan said. “I felt that it was my responsibility to bring the experience and consistency to the team.”

Under Erslan’s watch, the Cavaliers spent the season running teams off the field. Meanwhile, she consistently added to her legacy as a Cavalier.

She logged her 100^th career goal in a 5-0 victory over Jackson, earned a second FAC Player of the Year honor, and ended with a school record 111 goals. Overall, in the past four seasons, she’s added four conference titles, two sectional titles and two district final appearances to her resume.

And although she’s known for her scoring prowess, she’s also led her team in assists all four years.

“I feel incredibly thankful to have such a supportive community of people around me,” Erslan said. “My teammates, coaches, teachers, and friends at Chillicothe have done so much for me, and I’m honored to represent them through these achievements. I’m especially thankful to God for the ability He’s given me. Overall, I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of CHS sports history.

“Throughout my soccer career, my coaches, both high school and club, have guided and directed me in ways that have ultimately led to my success on the field. My teammates have worked hard and competed with me to make me the player that I am today, and for that I am sincerely grateful.”

While her high school career is over, this isn’t the end of Erslan’s soccer journey. She’s signed with Cedarville University to continue her success.

Scoring 111 goals in college is unheard of. But then again, it is Addie Erslan. Anything is possible.

“I went to an ID camp at Cedarville my sophomore year, and it was by far the best experience I’d had at any college up to that point,” Erslan said. “I’m excited to have found a university that provides opportunities for me to grow academically, athletically, and spiritually. I think it’s a perfect fit for me, and I can’t wait to start there in the fall.”

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