Centennial girls' soccer captain leads with vision, patience

Centennial girls' soccer coach Ginger Flohaug did not expect to be talking soccer on a Sunday evening grocery store run.

But there she was, listening to a rival coach rave about Cougars midfielder Katri Gifford. While appreciative of the support, Flohaug knows what she has in Gifford, a senior captain who helped No. 3-ranked Centennial start 8-0-1 this fall.

"She's a leader who reminds the girls of their purpose," Flohaug said. "It's different when that message comes from one of your peers."

A varsity player since eighth grade, Gifford brings "amazing vision and patience" to the field and "never looks rushed," Flohaug said.

Gifford, who will play soccer at Concordia-St. Paul, also embodies toughness. She pulled her groin against Park Center last Thursday but maintained her place in the lineup two days later against Blaine.

"She couldn't shoot but she was still a playmaker," Flohaug said. "She knew her limits but she was still able to help us win."

Gifford spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about her contributions to Centennial's unbeaten start this season.

A: My first year on varsity I really looked up to Becca Roberts. And also Jenna Roering. From Becca I got leadership. She was a strong defender who wouldn't give up on anything. From Jenna I got the need to work hard.

Q: How did vision and patience on the field become strong suits of your game?

A: The vision is something I've just always had. I just kind of know where players are on the field. The patience I've worked on. Instead of just kicking the ball away I try to control it and find the right pass or shot.

Q: Coach Flohaug said you never look rushed out there. Do you generally have a good idea of what you're trying to do?

A: It depends on the game. When we played Armstrong they were right up on us so I felt a little bit rushed to get passes off. But I try to keep everybody settled down. And I like to keep the ball on the ground because we're a better team when we're making passes.

A: Yeah, actually, I wasn't planning on playing a whole lot. I thought maybe 15 minutes per half because even when I would pass the ball it hurt. But then the adrenaline helped me block it out. I almost asked for a sub in the second half but I didn't.

Q: What did coaches or teammates say to you after the game?

A: Ginger mostly just asked how I was doing and if I was OK. She was surprised I played the whole second half.

Q: What sort of challenges does the schedule present this week?

A: We [had] Maple Grove on Tuesday and they are really good. Last year we beat Maple Grove 5-0 during the season and then lost to them in the section semifinals. So I'm just going to tell my teammates to keep working our hardest. And then on Saturday we have Mounds View. Plus Spring Lake Park on Thursday.