Student Athlete of the Week: Heather Humphrey

After leading Niwot High School's girls soccer team in goals last season, junior forward Heather Humphrey does not plan on slowing down.

"I really enjoy the competitive and cutthroat environment of the game, along with the intensity and teamwork," Humphrey said. "Playing striker allows me to be the most creative and aggressive, which drives me to be a better player. Scoring for my team is an unmatched feeling."

That drive has fueled her success, something Niwot Head Coach Stephen Dimit has seen firsthand. "Heather has a 'no-quit' mentality," Dimit said. "She just keeps pushing for her team, and she's a great goal-scorer."

But Humphrey is not just focused on numbers. This season, she is aiming to grow as a leader and make sure she leaves everything on the field. "I want to always come off the field with no regrets and play at my 100% best effort whenever I'm in the game," she said.

Her other goals for the season are to get Niwot back to the playoffs and win their games against rivals Silver Creek High School and Skyline High School.

Despite a 0-1-1 start, Humphrey sees a promising season ahead. While early-season absences due to club soccer affected team chemistry, she believes the players are starting to find their rhythm. For example, she explained that when she missed a shot in the game against Wheat Ridge High School, "all of my teammates were there to support me and help relieve some of the pressure I felt being a third-year varsity returner."

Off the field, Humphrey is just as involved. She serves on Student Council, participates in multiple school organizations, volunteers at the Boulder Humane Society and Broomfield Children's Hospital, and works as a lifeguard. Academically, she enjoys AP Government with Sarah Demmel and AP Language and Composition with Dimit, who has also witnessed her impact beyond soccer.

"Heather is all about making Niwot High School and Niwot soccer better," Dimit said. "If there's a school or soccer event, she's there. Now that she's a junior, she takes on that responsibility to make everyone feel welcome at Niwot."

Her leadership role in Student Council has allowed her to directly impact NHS athletics as a whole. "This year, I've made it my priority to show Student Council's support for each sport," she said. "Whether it's giving free incentives at games like Crumbl Cookies or pizza to increase the student section, or something as little as providing gift bags to sports teams, I wanted to make sure all sports programs know we are supporting them."

With the season just beginning, Humphrey is determined to keep improving. "The community and connection we have as a team is extremely positive and inclusive," she said. "I believe that will set us up for a successful season."