Girls' soccer Metro Player of the Year: 'Best total player' can't be replaced

Woodbury senior Kassey Kallman quarterbacks a defense boasting 33 shutouts in its past 43 soccer games.

While undoubtedly frustrated by Kallman and the stingy Royals, opposing coaches know greatness when they see it. Their votes were instrumental in Kallman being named this year's Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year for girls' soccer.

"I am really shocked to get so much recognition right now, because I know there have been so many players here who have deserved it," said Kallman, who also won Ms. Soccer in Class 2A. "I feel lucky that this year, coaches thought it's me."

Her own coach, Bill Ebertz, said Kallman will be remembered as "the best all-around, total player we've ever had" -- no small feat, considering Woodbury's standard for excellence. Since 1999, the Royals have won five state championships and finished second twice. Kallman won state titles as a freshman and junior. And she hopes to join fellow seniors Caitlin Graboski and Catherine Sessions as the only Royals to win three championships.

Woodbury, the No. 1 seed, continues its title quest Tuesday in the semifinals against No. 4 seed Eagan at the Metrodome.

Taking most of the team's free and corner kicks this season enabled Kallman to chip in seven goals and 14 assists. But her defensive prowess stands out. With Kallman directing teammates and making plays, the Royals have given up only 12 goals in the past 43 games, a 40-0-3 unbeaten streak dating to last season.

"Where she's improved a lot is her anticipation of what's developing and her ability to shut it down," Ebertz said.

Talent and tenacity run in the family. Older sisters Krystle and Kylie starred on the soccer field, and older brothers Brian, Brad and Brent were solid athletes.

"When I was younger, people would talk about the Kallmans as being really fierce and physical," Kassey said. "But they would say, 'Kassey doesn't have it like her older siblings.' I took offense to that, because I wanted to have that. I think as I've gotten older, people have said I've gotten some of that in me."

The six Kallman kids were taught to play sports with unparalleled passion and work ethic. Kassey won the team's 2-mile endurance run as a freshman and set a new record time this fall. She represents the end of a family legacy and the passing of an era in Woodbury's proud soccer tradition.

"She's been a real fixture," Ebertz said. "She's one of those people where you know they'll never be another one like her. You just hope the others will beclose."