Printer Friendly Version - Pavic Posed Problems for Opponents on the Outside

Ana Pavic was a big threat on offense while playing outside midfielder for the North Branford girls’ soccer squad. She also led the T-Birds as one of their senior captains this season. Photo courtesy of Ana Pavic

Ana Pavic was a mainstay for the North Branford girls’ soccer team who made a huge impact on offense throughout her high school career. Ana routinely transitioned from forward to the midfield, but saw most of her time at the outside midfielder position during her senior season. Ana loved creating scoring opportunities for the T-Birds on the field.

“I like being on the outside because, a lot of times, I’m able to take on girls 1-v-1, and I can beat them to work towards the goal,” says Ana. “I’ve worked a lot with the ball at my feet and feel comfortable when I have space.”

While Ana thrived on the outside, Head Coach Pat Kozloski says she was an effective player no matter where she played. Whether it was on the flank, in the middle, or up top, Kozloski knows that Ana’s ability proved crucial in North Branford’s success this season.

“When we get the ball out wide, she plays them 1-v-1. She’s able to serve a great ball in, and she had well over 10 assists on the season, so when we get the ball to her, good things happen, and we end up putting the ball in the back of the net,” Kozloski says. “It’s so important to get the ball out to her in space and let her operate.”

In addition to her assists, Ana also scored a few goals on cross attempts. The senior netted a goal on a cross when North Branford squared off against Morgan in the second round of the Class M State Tournament. The T-Birds took a 2-1 loss, but still finished the year with a solid record of 10-4-5.

“Sometimes, when I send the ball in, it just happens to go toward the net, rather than to one of my teammates,” Ana says. “I got lucky on that one, and it went in. It ended up being our only goal of the game.”

North Branford featured plenty of vocal leaders this year, but Ana may have been the T-Birds’ most vocal player. Ana believes that frequent communication among teammates is a critical component of playing soccer.

“I’ve always been very loud. I’m constantly talking to my teammates,” Ana says. “I think communication is very important, and it’s a big part of what I do. That’s the way you’re able to work together.”

Last season, Ana helped North Branford win the Shoreline Conference championship by earning a 2-1 win against Old Lyme. This year, she was named one of the Thunderbirds’ senior captains. Ana feels that her personality suited her well in the captain’s chair.

“I tried to be as vocal as I could, and I liked to lead by example. My teammates were an amazing group of girls to lead,” she says. “I was honored to be selected as a captain this year and was happy to lead us to the playoffs.”

Although Ana is ready to turn the page and move on to the next chapter of her life, she says that soccer will remain a big part of her future. Ana hasn’t made any decisions regarding college, but she has her fair share of options on the table.

“I’m being recruited by a few schools,” says Ana. “I have to see which school will suit me both athletically and academically.”