For Mount Dora Christian Academy (MDCA) soccer standout Abigail “Abby” Feld, the game has always been about more than what happens between the lines. It is about family, faith, hard work, friendships and the love of competition.

Abby first discovered her passion for soccer at just 5 years old, playing on the Sorrento fields alongside her brother and cousin. What started as a childhood activity has grown into a commitment to becoming the best athlete and teammate she can be.

Today, Abby represents MDCA on the soccer field while continuing to develop her game through competition with a travel U17 team in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) during the high school offseason. Abby also opened her junior season by scoring six goals, a double hat trick, in a preseason match against South Marion High. A hat trick is three goals, so six in one game is a rare feat.

MDCA Athletic Director Megan Ziegelhofer has had a front-row seat to Abby’s development, first as her elementary school physical education teacher and now as she continues to grow as a student-athlete.

“I had the privilege of teaching Abby when she was in elementary school in PE, and even then, she was a bright, shining light,” Ziegelhofer says. “Watching her grow and develop into the young woman and talented student-athlete she is today has been a blessing. It has been a joy to witness her journey and see the person she has become.”

Ziegelhofer describes Abby as a driven, focused and dedicated student-athlete who cares deeply about those around her. Her commitment extends beyond her individual performance, as she looks for ways to help her teammates succeed both on and off the field.

Through her positive attitude, strong work ethic and leadership, Ziegelhofer says, Abby has become a role model for younger athletes.

“Abby is a kindhearted, humble, and fun-loving young lady whose sense of humor and warm personality bring joy to those around her,” Ziegelhofer says.

For Abby, being part of MDCA means being surrounded by people who believe in her and want to see her succeed.

“Playing for MDCA means a lot to me because our coaches really care about us, not just as players but as people,” Abby says. “They believe in us, push us to get better, and are always there to support us on and off the field!”

She also credits Coach Clayton McDaniel for believing in her from the beginning and providing opportunities for her to grow as an athlete.

One of Abby’s favorite memories in an MDCA uniform came during last year’s second round of Regionals. With only seconds remaining, Abby delivered a ball into the box on a free kick, and teammate Emmi Bowman headed it home to tie the game.

It was a moment that captured what makes soccer special: teamwork, trust and the ability to create something memorable together on the soccer pitch.

When she’s not playing soccer, family plays a major role in keeping Abby motivated.

Her older brother, Eli Feld, who plays baseball at Polk State College in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), is her biggest role model. The two have always shared a competitive relationship, joking about who is the better Feld.

“My biggest role model is my older brother, Eli,” Abby says. “Seeing his hard work pay off and watching him play college baseball has shown me what it takes to reach your goals. He makes me want to work harder and be better.”

Abby’s father is another major inspiration, particularly for the time and effort he puts into helping his family succeed.

“He’s taught me what it means to compete, and never take an opportunity for granted,” Abby says. “Even when he’s tired he always makes time for me.”

And then there is Pepaw, who has a pregame tradition that Abby never forgets.

Before every game, he asks her, “Do you want to be good or great?”

Her answer is always, “Great!”

His response: “Then go kick some NY butt!”

It is a family tradition that brings a smile to Abby’s face while giving her an extra dose of motivation before taking the field.

Faith is also an important part of her life. Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Abby says the verse reminds her that her strength comes from God and encourages her to keep pushing through challenges, both on and off the field.

That strength also carries into the classroom. Abby currently maintains a 4.0 GPA. She places just as much importance on academics as she does athletics.

Outside of school and soccer, she also makes time to volunteer at church events and club and school sporting events.

As she looks toward the future, Abby hopes to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level. She has already had contact with college coaches but is taking her time to explore her options and find the right fit academically and athletically.

For now, her focus remains on enjoying the game, improving each season and helping her team grow.

“Every season, I get excited to step back on the field and see how much better I can compete, and how we can grow as a team,” Abby says. “At the end of the day, I play soccer because it’s fun, and I love the game!”

Abby also appreciates the support she receives from Ziegelhofer, whom the players know as Coach Z.

“She isn’t just our AD but our biggest fan!” Abby says. “We are lucky to have her support.”

When asked what advice she would give younger athletes hoping to follow a similar path, Abby says the keys are believing in themselves, putting in the work and remembering why they started playing in the first place.

“Most importantly, have fun and don’t be afraid to get your kick off,” Abby says. “Good things happen when you take the shot!”

Keep a good eye on Abigail Feld as the FHSAA high school soccer regular season gets underway this week.