Roseman to continue soccer career in Cullowhee

Mikayla Roseman’s impact on the soccer field has been undeniable since her freshman debut for Owen in 2017. In three seasons as an outside forward and center forward with the Warlassies, she’s helped guide the team to a 47-14-2 record and consecutive trips to the third round of the NCHSAA 2A State Playoffs. 

Her next stop, she announced Nov. 13, surrounded by family, teammates and coaches, is Cullowhee. 

With three months remaining until the start of her senior season at Owen, Roseman committed to play soccer for the Western Carolina University Catamounts.

"It's a relief," Roseman said minutes before signing a letter of commitment to WCU. "If I wasn't playing soccer in college, I think I'd be kind of lost. So to know I've gotten to this point feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I'm excited."

Roseman began playing indoor soccer in the Town of Black Mountain's recreation league at the age of 5. By age 10, she was participating in the Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association Highland Football Club travel team. 

"My travel coach, Joey Sasvari, has had a big impact on my soccer career," she said. 

When she arrived at Owen, head coach David Fiest was immediately impressed with her abilities on the field. 

"One of her strengths coming in as a freshman was her experience," Fiest said of Roseman. "She had a very good touch on the ball and that was something I noticed right away."

The coach and player quickly got to work on developing her game. 

"He's pushed me since I was a freshman," Roseman said. "He's done things that I was confused about at first, but he's always ended up being right. He's taught me a lot about myself as a player that I didn't know. I'm really thankful for him."

Roseman adapted quickly, according to Fiest.

"It's hard to leave your mark on a program that's had a lot of success with a lot of high-caliber players," he said. "But, she's done a great job of establishing herself as an important player on our team."

Fiest moved Roseman from her traditional position of center forward to outside forward. 

"It's been uncomfortable at times for her, but it's been awesome to see her grow into the role that I believe she'll be really successful in throughout her collegiate career," Fiest said. 

The Warlassies posted a 29-3 record against Western Highlands Conference opponents over the last three seasons, while Roseman has consistently been among the team's top goal scorers. 

She developed an interest in the Catmount program, which finished its 2019 season with an 8-8 record, while attending soccer camps at the school. 

"I've been going to their camps since my freshman year, and I really like it there," Roseman said. "I knew that's where I wanted to go, and no other places I visited gave me the same feeling."

The Catamounts, Fiest said, are getting a player in Roseman who is willing to work hard to improve. 

"She really wants to improve all the time," he said. "They're getting a player who has great potential, and has the ability to continue to grow and become better each time she steps on the field. Players peak at different times, but Kayla has the ability to adapt and grow every year."

Roseman will also bring her leadership ability to the campus of WCU.

"I'm close with my teammates and I work hard to bring the team together," she said. "On the field, I am determined to work hard and put my team in the best position to be successful."

Roseman embraces the opportunity to test her skills in an NCAA Division I program. 

"I'm excited for the competition against girls that I know are very experienced," she said. "I know the workouts will be harder and more intense, and being away from my home and family will be challenging, but I'm going to focus on soccer and not worry about those things."

Roseman will begin her senior season with the Warlassies in the spring.