AMERICAN FALLS — Maria Sanchez’s journey doesn’t include summer soccer leagues, club teams or developmental programs.

    During the long stretch between high school soccer seasons, the closest Sanchez got to competitive play was in the park by her house with her friends and family. The only real jersey Sanchez has ever put on was No. 17 for American Falls.

    That jersey was retired May 14 at American Falls High School.

    “We decided not to wait,” said American Falls athletic director Nathan Whittle, “Because why wait 10 years when we know we’re going to do it?”

    There have been two other Beaver athletes who have seen their jerseys retired and placed on the wall in front of the gymnasium doors: wrestler V.J. Giulio and baseball player Christian Colonel. Both went on to enjoy immense success at the next level. Giulio won an NJCAA national championship last March for North Idaho College, and Colonel went on to get drafted by the Colorado Rockies after his college career at Texas Tech.

    Those closest to Sanchez already know the impact she will make on Idaho State’s soccer squad, a team Sanchez signed with in the winter. And considering Sanchez’s legacy she created at American Falls, who can blame them?

    “You have to be a very important player not only for the school but for the whole community,” said American Falls soccer coach Karissa Fisher. “Maria definitely fulfills that role, and she has left a legacy. ... No one else will be able to fulfill the role of No. 17.”

    Before the day’s events began, Sanchez knew she was being recognized for her accomplishments over the course of her career and for earning a scholarship to ISU. She just wasn’t sure exactly what was going to happen. After the third quarter of an exhibition basketball game between American Falls students and faculty, Sanchez’s framed jersey was presented, and the senior was surprised.

    Standing between her parents, Sanchez was presented her jersey. As Fisher gave a speech describing the reasons the soccer star was being honored — reasons like talent, effort and heart — Sanchez let a few tears flow.

    “Everything I did all these years was worth it,” Sanchez said. “I gave all I had and it was all worth it because I wasn’t expecting I would get this.”

    As Sanchez moves on to the next stage — collegiate soccer — she’ll have a trail of fans following her. If someone from a small town can accomplish so much without the help and guidance from various club teams and coaching clinics, then what will happen when Sanchez is taught at the next level?

    Fisher looks forward to the results, and she thinks collegiate soccer will trigger Sanchez’s untapped potential.

    “She hasn’t had much coaching education. She hasn’t had much soccer education,” Fisher said. “So she’s raw talent. ... (Idaho State soccer) coach (Allison) Gibson’s going to do a great job nurturing this little gem.”

    But it takes more than pure talent to make the ascension Sanchez had. Just because she never had an official outlet during the offseason doesn’t mean she didn’t practice.

    “You grow up through all these programs, but (Sanchez) didn’t have that,” Fisher said. “To come as far as she’s come with not having all the education, it’s amazing. And it comes from talent and hard work.”    

    Besides being excited for what lies ahead, Sanchez hopes her journey serves as inspiration for someone who thinks their hopes are hindered by small-town life. Sanchez wanted to play soccer. It was her dream, and she set out to achieve it.

    “Hopefully it inspires other kids that you don’t have to live in a big city or have a lot of big things to make it — to reach your goals,” Sanchez said.