Junior Miranda Luxenburg has made quite a name for herself on both the soccer and softball fields during her three years playing the two sports.

This year Luxenburg served as co-captain on both teams.

“Miranda leads by example,” soccer coach Jonathan Kostoff said. “She always works hard and pushes her teammates to give their very best no matter what.”

Luxenburg first started playing soccer in 5th grade with the Beachwood Recreational League, a division of Shaker Youth Soccer. She fell in love with the sport and went on to play for both the middle and high school teams.

The high school varsity coaches quickly recognized Luxenberg’s hard work, skills and natural talent, and they started her in midfield during her freshman year.

As a wing player—a physically and technically demanding position—her impact on the field was evident.

That year she had numerous assists and goals, leading the Bison to victory in some of the more challenging games. Her footwork against some of the stronger teams helped lead the Bison to many of their successes.

It was during her sophomore year that Luxenburg started to emerge as a leader on and off the field as well.

However, it was this past season, in Luxenburg’s junior year, when the team’s effort truly paid off. The team tripled their wins from the previous season.

In addition to the stellar season record of 15-4, the soccer team won sectionals for the first time in school history and advanced to districts.

As one of the co-captains, Luxenburg’s leadership played a key role in motivating the team.

“Miranda is a very smart and physical soccer player,” Kostoff said. “She’s willing to trade personal statistics to help improve the team by playing defense, a position of need on the soccer team last year.”

“Miranda is always willing to improvise on the fly and do whatever is asked of her,” he added. “There is no position Miranda cannot play on the field, which makes her that much more coachable.”

In addition to soccer, Luxenburg is co-captain of the softball team. She spends most of her time in the spring playing softball, but she also conditions practices and conditions daily in the summer and winter. Soccer camp is an important piece of her summer, and one that has helped her to improve during the off-season.

Balancing school, sports and a social life can be challenging at times, but Luxenburg has learned the importance of doing so.

“I put my happiness and health first,” she said. “If I have to end my studying early to spend time with my family, I will. I care about my grades very much, but when it becomes too much, or I start to feel overwhelmed, I allow myself to take a break and do something I truly enjoy.”  

“Sports are an outlet for me to let go of all my feelings and stress and just play the game I love,” she added.

“She brings experience and knowledge of the game that helps players learn quickly and understand what is expected of them,” Kostoff said. “Players look up to Miranda because of her hard work and can-do attitude.

“She commands the respect and attention of her teammates” he added. “How great of a leader Miranda is pales in comparison to how great of a person and student-athlete she is.”

Kostoff isn’t the only one to recognize Luxenburg’s impact on the game. She has been an all-CVC and all-Cleveland honoree.

In addition, her outstanding academic record has earned her a scholar athlete award in every season she has played. A three-year varsity level winner, she has also received the coaches award for her leadership and unselfish drive.  

As Luxenburg’s final soccer season draws closer, she remains optimistic about her senior year on the 2019 Bison soccer team.

She shares advice for other student athletes.

“Make the most of every moment and love the game for what it is,” she said. “You never believe it until it happens, but your sports career may be over before you know it; appreciate high school teams while you’ve got them.“