Erin Slinde is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Scottsdale Christian Academy for AZPreps365.com 

It’s not every day you see a freshman playing on varsity. It’s even rarer to see one that is leading the varsity team as a freshman.

Scottsdale Christian Academy midfielder Anna Castenfelt is doing just that. 

“I’ve coached for over 20 years,” coach Mike Philipp said. “ I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 15-year-old that has the talent and skills Anna has.”

Castenfelt was named MaxPreps Arizona Soccer Player of the Week after scoring eight goals and adding two assists in the Eagles' shutouts versus Rancho Solano Prep and BASIS Phoenix, but Castenfelt doesn’t take all the credit for her award.

“I wouldn’t have achieved any of it without my team and my coaches,” Castenfelt said.

Castenfelt started playing soccer when she was just 3 years old. Teamwork and competitiveness are the aspects of the game that Castenfelt fell in love with at such a young age.

“Soccer overall has helped me get to where I am today,” Castenfelt said.

Senior midfielder Grace Waggoner praised her teammate.

“Anna is very selfless in the way she passes the ball and has the team’s best interest and not just her own,” Waggoner said.

As scary as it can be playing against older athletes in high school, Castenfelt is used to competing against high-level athletes. Castenfelt plays club soccer for the Utah Royals FC and was one of only four players from Arizona to be invited to the U.S. Women’s National Team U17 virtual camp in early February.

“I’ve played soccer for 10 years and I’ve never played with a player like Anna,” Waggoner said. “It’s not just her natural talent. She’s the hardest worker on our team.”

Philipp said Castenfelt is the engine of the team. 

“She takes on a different role,” Philipp said. “Anna is a leader in terms of her actions. When her teammates watch her, she is communicating her hustle and her determination and that brings up the level of play.”

This is only the start of Castenfelt’s career at SCA, but the goals she has set for herself go well beyond Player of the Week.

“I would love to play professional soccer and play on the U.S Women’s National Team someday,” Castenfelt said. 

Last year, SCA didn’t make it to the state tournament after losing the play-in round to Phoenix Country Day, 6-0, but this year the Eagles believe they have a chance to take it all. The difference is they have Castenfelt to help lead them to the championship.

“Anna has just been a killer for us in the midfield,” Waggoner said. “When you’re able to control the midfield, it makes games a lot easier.”

The Eagles are 6-1-1 and are ranked fourth overall in 3A. The team is focusing on what they need to do to win the state title.

“We have a good record this year and we have a good chance at state,” Castenfelt said. “It’s super exciting.”

SCA will face Tempe Prep (5-6) at 4 p.m. Friday in their last game of the regular season.