Cheng begins training with Portland Thorns Academy

<img class="size-medium wp-image-38215 alignright" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-19-at-4.50.06-PM-300x276.png" alt="" width="300" height="276" />The keeper position is one that does not require a lot of action for large portions of the game, and on a very good team, the keeper might not have much to do at all. However, when the keeper is called into action, the job is as important as any in all of sports. Generally speaking, you would want a veteran between the posts, someone who has a slow heartbeat when the moment comes. For St. Mary's Academy in Portland, Ore., to put a freshman in goal says something about the abilities of Olivia Cheng. Cheng, is already 5-foot-7, is very athletic, and has the drive to play Division I college soccer. Her ability and drive were apparent on the first day of her first high school practice. "From the first days of training it was evident from her abilities and work ethic what was where she would play," St. Mary's coach Scotty Baxter said. "When we began, Olivia was still a young keeper who needed experience and repetitions and she was willing to put in the work to get better. Her athletic abilities are wonderful and she can exceed the demands of the position." Because of her efforts, and her ability, Cheng is bringing her style of play and execution to training with the Thorns. Cheng remains with the Eastside Thorns as her primary club. "Just from the few weeks of practice I've had with the team, I know the skill level of both coaches and players is very high and I can't wait to learn from them," Cheng said. "Ever since I was little I've known I wanted to play soccer and it was only recently that I've started taking the steps to make this a reality. By reaching out to coaches around me and looking to attend some DI ID camps this summer, I am taking the initiative to pursue the sport I love." Cheng is excited about the possibilities this opportunity presents. The chance to play at a higher skill level and gain more exposure. Training with the Thorns will open up these opportunities as she will travel more, play more and be in front of more coaches. "The most important thing for me is the coaching and teaching I will receive from the people around me," Cheng said. "Be it high-level coaches or some of the most skilled players in the city, I have always prided myself on the ability to soak in everything I can learn." Cheng started playing around age four or five and it quickly turned into a passion. She settled in at keeper in the sixth grade after being encouraged to try it because of her height and athleticism, and she never looked back. "There is no greater feeling for me than being able to help my team and being able to watch myself grow as a player, a leader and a goalie has been very rewarding," Cheng said. "As a keeper one of the things I'm biggest on is communicating and the ability to play the ball from the back of the field. I want to be available as an outlet and I always hope for my team to have trust in my foot skills as well as my goal-stopping abilities. "Honestly, I would say that my biggest asset is communication as I try to be very consistent with leading my defense." Baxter also sees the benefits she will get from this opportunity, and how it will lead to more doors opening and give her a chance to learn from many different people. "We see the potential in her and to help her be the best, we worked hard to find a position-specific coach for our team, to help her improve at the rate a player of her abilities deserves," Baxter said. I have encouraged her to train with other teams and coaches, so she learns in different environments, especially as every situation has varied pressures. And adapting and making mistakes are essential to growth as an athlete. Olivia has high ambitions and I hope I can help her get to them."