Isabelle Wagner has quickly become a standout sophomore at Stillwater High School, finding her stride in both cross country and soccer while anchoring the midfield as a defensive leader. Her approach to sports is rooted in faith, family, and a genuine love for the game, which shows in the way she competes and carries herself on and off the field.
“I want to make my family proud and glorify God in everything I do. Winning is also pretty motivating.”
Her parents play a central role in who she is becoming, both as an athlete and a person. She credits them with setting the standard for hard work, respect, and kindness, values she hopes to one day pass on to her own children.
“My mother and father are big influences in my life because they work very hard and push me to succeed. They have raised me to be a respectful and kind daughter and I will strive to do that for my children when that time comes.”
On the soccer side, one coach in particular has helped shape her journey.
“Coach Benites has had a huge impact on my soccer journey. He has helped me understand my position better and taught me to love the game more. He has always been an encouraging person and good role model. Although he has moved away, he continues to motivate me in my journey.”
Wagner says success hasn’t come easily. It has taken perseverance, extra training, and a genuine passion for the sport to continue improving. One of her favorite memories came this past summer at the ORU camp, when heavy rain soaked the fields and her team decided to play a scrimmage in just their socks. The fun, messy game reminded her that soccer is about more than the scoreboard; it is about connection, joy, and learning to work together.
She loves practicing with teammate Madelyn Agullar, who consistently pushes her to raise her level. Off the field, Wagner stays busy with Beta Club, FCCLA, SMAC, and FCA, managing her workload by using downtime in class, studying on the bus, and staying up late when needed.
For her, representing Stillwater means competing with toughness and composure, even when calls do not go her way or opponents get chippy. She is proud to play for a program and teammates who care about her future and who help her grow into a better person every day.
