Aris FC RACHEL SMITH RACHEL SMITH HAS BEEN PLAYING SOCCER FOR SIX YEARS. THIS year, she played on the Aris FC Girls 06 Black team for head coach Rachel Schmidt and assistant coach Scott Mills. Her primary position is center midfielder, but, according to Mills, she is capable of playing just about anywhere on the field, including keeper. As a midfielder, her ability to control the ball out of the air and her touches are skills that make her a major asset, Mills says. “She’s got great vision and is super coachable.” Additionally, everyone on the team has great respect for her — for her play on the field, her work ethic, and just by being a good friend. Mills says Rachel’s family life may have had something to do with her skills on the pitch. “Rachel grew up with four older brothers, which I think has made her tough as nails. She has a true love of the game and she makes everyone around her better. She always has a smile on her face, whether she is dribbling through traffic or tackling an opponent — and of course putting the ball in the back of the net.” Aris FC Director of Coaching Andrew Petrou calls Rachel, “a huge talent. Very skillful and aggressive — probably the benefit of having four older brothers who play soccer. She gets better and better each season, and plays with a big smile on her face whether she is scoring goals or tackling hard.”