Lutheran's Carli Haney picked herself off the turf several times during a March 16 girls soccer match against Colorado Springs Christian.

It seems that being physical is a one way for opponents to try to slow down the diminutive 5-foot-1 Lions forward who is a tireless offensive threat.

Once early in the match, Haney was knocked off the ball near the corner and had to leave the game. However, she returned to action a few minutes later.

She just tries to ignore the shoves and pushes and keeps defenders busy with her relentless runs towards the opponents' goal.

“I get knocked around but I'm not afraid to give it back,” said Haney, whose older sister Calli also plays on the team. “I like to hang in there. Sometimes I can hang back and turn on them but a lot of the times I can't so I stay in there.

“Moving around a lot is real helpful because it draws the defender out with you and then it creates space for your other teammates. Goals are important but a lot of times giving up that chance to drop the ball back to get a better look and assisting can be better than taking the shot.”

Key stats:

Haney had 10 goals and 27 points last season as a freshman and had tallied three goals with one assist for seven points in the first three games of the 2019 season.

Coach's take:

`She goes 110 miles per hour. She doesn't know what it is to be tired. She's tireless in her effort and work. She trains as hard as she plays. She's a motor that doesn't stop. She is one of those players that coaches love because they just want it. They have that desire — no matter how tired, sore, frustrated they are, they will give that extra effort.'

— Jim Pereira, Lutheran head girls soccer coach

Q&A with Carli Haney

Who is your favorite athlete (past, present, pro or college) and why?

Carli Lloyd. She always gives effort, goes to the ball and always knows how to distribute it.

What or who motivates you most to excel in sports?

My parents (Charlie and Julie) motivate me a lot and coach does too.

What would be a perfect performance in soccer?

Always giving 110 percent and always being a team player

What is your favorite class in school and why?

Theology, because I get to learn about God.

What do you like to do away from soccer and school?

I just like to hang out with friends and family

What are your plans after high school?

I want to go to school to be an esthetician (skin care).

What is your plan if you have a chance to shoot on a penalty kick?

I would shoot it wide to the corner.

Do you have any rituals before a game?

Me and my friend Gianna (Pereira) always do a handshake before the game and that gets me going.