Athlete Spotlight: Julia Lewis

MINOT – Julia Lewis knew what the pinnacle of success in girls’ soccer was well before Minot North played its first varsity match.
Lewis was part of the Minot High dynasty that included three consecutive state championships (2021-23) and an amazing 69-1-1 record. 
She learned a lot from the older players who helped build that winning culture, including a pair of sisters. Among them was importance of hard work and trusting your abilities when your opportunity comes to play in the big moments.
“The one big lesson I took from Minot High is the amount of pressure you feel is under your own control,’’ Lewis said. “I’ve learned that if you let outside factors influence you, it will affect the outcome.”
In my years at Minot High, being able to dominate throughout the season was a great feeling. With this being said, the ups and downs while playing for North is what has taught me the most.”
Following her sophomore season, Lewis traded the maroon and gold colors of Minot High for the dark blue and gray of Minot North. A new challenge was on the horizon.
Her experience would be called upon to guide the fledgling program. The lineup would rely on several younger players not yet battled-tested against the WDA’s top programs. 
“Last year, we made the goal to make it in the top four (in the WDA and a state tournametn berth)’’ she said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get the results we were hoping for. I believe we felt pressure as a new team and I know a lot of other sports for North can relate. This year, we came in to the season with that same goal of making it to state.”
And the program is on track to do just that as the squad enters the month of May tied for second place in the conference.
“We’ve gotten closer as a team, and not just on the pitch playing soccer. My other captains and I make it a point to guide the younger players on their journey of playing varsity soccer. We’ve been in their shoes, and know it’s important to show positivity and build their confidence.”
Lewis grew up in a soccer family where older siblings were involved in the sport. She eventually got her chance to move from the sidelines and onto the pitch at the club level. She started at age eight
“I liked that I could play in real tournaments, getting to compete like the plays I watched and looked up to on TV,’’ Lewis recalls. “Along with going to practice and eventually seeing my skills start to develop. I enjoyed getting to travel and play teams from other cities, states, and even countries.”
She has been playing high school matches since eighth grade and understands how to handle every situation that comes on the pitch.
“Two things stand out (about her play),” Minot North coach Haris Bosnjak said. “Her communication skills and her tactical understanding. Julia knows what needs to happen in a variety of moments of the game, and she can make sure her teammates know that in those moments.”
Julia’s dribbling, passing and shooting ability make her an offensive threat, he adds. 
Her point production has become an ever-increasing part of her contributions, but she admits she doesn’t get hung up on who gets the credit for goals. Team success is paramount.
“I would usually play as the number 8 (position) in the midfield in front of the back line,’’ she said. I am put in this position to ‘control the game” and defend in the middle, while producing scoring opportunities for the forwards, or even scoring myself.  However, this year I have been seeing more of the offensive line. Recently I have been playing the 10 (spot), which is right below the forward attacker. This is where I can work with my forward to score goals, while also helping in the midfield to defend and distribute balls.”
While fans see her contributions on match day, her impact comes all week.
“She makes sure she is first to do a drill in practice so that the younger players get a chance to see it done properly before they do it.” Bosnjak said. “And she’ll put an arm around a player that could use it. She is one of the program’s first captains and will be one of the first seniors to graduate for us.”
For Julia and her fellow seniors who moved to the Minot North program, it’s hard to believe their soccer journey is nearing the end. A journey that has had its share of ups and downs. 
“I have so many good memories with my team,’’ she said. “Going to tropical smoothie before games and all the fun bus rides. I will miss everything about high school soccer. Throughout the years, I’ve made bonds and memories that I hope last forever.”
There were will be more soccer ahead for the all-stater, however.
She has signed on to play for Bemidji (MN) State University. A Division II program that has enjoyed success in recent seasons.
For now, there is the business at hand. And that is to finish the regular season strong and lock down the program’s first-ever state tournament berth. 
“As one of the team’s first seniors, the coaching staff and players wanted to give players like Julia another state tournament appearance,’’ Bosnjak said. “Players like that belong at state, and our fans and neutral audiences will enjoy watching her play. For me, it’ll be a great way to see her time out in high school soccer before she makes her way to Bemidji.”
 

Photo courtesy of Minot North soccer boosters