Dec 11, 2019

Player Profile: Megan Kneefel, Fort Hays State women's soccer

Posted Dec 11, 2019 12:01 PM


BY JACOB BRUBAKER

Hays Post


Over the many decades of athletic competition at Fort Hays State University, many athletes have represented the black and gold and called Hays home. One such athlete is Megan Kneefel, a senior and former goalkeeper for the FHSU women’s soccer team. Kneefel was a solid goalie for the Tigers, but her ambitions run farther than the collegiate level.


Kneefel is an interior design major and native of Aurora, Colo.. She has been playing since she was very young.


“I was 3 years old and my dad played his entire life," she said. "He put me on the field and I ended up becoming goal keeper based on coaching and time.”


Kneefel was a standout at Smoky Hill High school in Colorado, where she earned multiple All-State and All-Conference honors. She also played club team, which is how she found her way to FHSU.


“Playing club team led to us going and traveling ... and we’d go to different tryouts whether it be Division I or Division II. Then I found Fort Hays, or actually Coach Shaw found me," Kneefel said. "I figured I’d come check Hays out and a few different tryouts later, I fell in love with it.”


 After she arrived at Hays, Kneefel redshirted her first year and played sparingly the next year as a redshirt freshman. She showed flashes of brilliance her sophomore year. She started six games that year, going 4-2-2 and saving 87% of the shots sent her way. Junior year was a big step for Kneefel, as she started 17 games for the Tigers, going 9-6-2 with 83 saves and earning All-MIAA second Team Honors. This past senior season was a good one as well, as she went 9-4-2 and produced 8 shutouts. She was an All-MIAA honorable mention pick. 


While most college athletes end their competitive playing days after college, Megan wants to take the next step.


“I love the sport, I love the game. My next step is to go to the pro level and see if I can make it there," she said.


Kneefel will be taking part in tryouts similar to a combine where scouts from various teams can come and evaluate her strengths and skills.


“I’d love to go overseas, to play in England or the Netherlands," she said.


Her dream won’t be accomplished easily.


“Because of all the traveling I’ll be doing, it’s a big expense towards me. As far as saving the money to get to these tryouts, if I were to do any fundraising or have any sponsors, that would really help me out," Kneefel said.


She isn’t the only Tiger vying for a spot on a pro roster. Fellow senior Chloe Montano will be attending some of these tryouts as well and several underclassmen have their sights set on pro soccer when their FHSU playing days are over.


When she isn’t playing soccer, Megan enjoys skiing, swimming and staying active. She also enjoys pursuing her passion for interior design. To find out more about Megan and her unique journey, and even brighter future, listen to the interview above.