Shutting down opposing team’s goal-scoring opportunities is one of the most exciting aspects of soccer for Issaquah Eagles senior defender Kate Wilkinson.

Wilkinson, who was a member of the 2017 Eagles Class 4A state championship squad, is one of the most experienced players on the Eagles 2018 roster this season. Issaquah has compiled an overall record of 5-0-1 thus far despite losing 13 seniors off of last season’s championship squad.

The success hasn’t surprised the senior team leader.

“Our motto this year is ‘fresh.’ We have a lot of new personnel and are finding out the combinations and what works for us. Every year is different and we’re trying to adapt to that. We have a really strong new team,” Wilkinson said.

A new face is leading the Eagles girls soccer program this fall. Kyle Tatro, who has been the Eagles boys varsity head coach for the past several seasons, is in his first year leading the Issaquah girls squad. Longtime Issaquah head coach Tom Bunnell, who announced that the 2017 season would be his final year as head coach in October of 2017, ended his career with a state championship trophy.

Tatro is thoroughly enjoying coaching the Eagles this fall.

“It has been awesome. The pride and tradition shines through in everything they do. The work rate, the effort, the attitude and the quality of play is incredible. You can tell it’s a program that knows how to win,” Tatro explained.

Issaquah isn’t your typical high school soccer program where previous players move on and never return. The tradition is immense and that is just the way Wilkinson likes it.

“It is a big deal here at Issaquah. Tradition is our thing. We still always hear from players from past years. The alumni gets super hyped for games. Everyone from the past is very supportive of the team,” Wilkinson said.

Recently the Issaquah Reporter had an opportunity to ask Wilkinson a few questions about her life away from the soccer field.

Issaquah Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Kate Wilkinson: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” My mom is big on 1980s stuff.

IR: What is your favorite restaurant in Issaquah?

KW: Max’s World Cafe. It is a really small place that is fun. It is a great place to go to.

IR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

KW: I don’t like weird smells.

IR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

KW: My grandparents. I’m really close to them but I don’t see them super often.

IR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

KW: Hopefully graduated from college with a degree in engineering.