Congrats to Mollie Skibinski on winning our September 2023 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Mollie plays left wing/left fullback for our Rapids 08G Central Select team, where her teammates and coaches know her as an ultra-determined team player.
On the field, Mollie gives everything she has and, from the perspective of anyone watching, plays every minute like it’s her last. Off the field, Mollie is taking sports medicine classes and wants to be a Sports Psychologist and Athletic Trainer so she can support athletes in both their physical and mental journeys.
In addition to soccer, Mollie works with peers in YouthRoots to raise awareness and funds for underprivileged youth athletes athletes. Mollie maintained a 4.4 GPA at her high school, graduating two years early. She was also an Honor Roll member as well as a HOSA State Qualifier.
This October, Mollie will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We spoke with Mollie to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!
What influence has soccer had in your life?
Everything. I think I’ve spent more time on the soccer field than I have at my own house. Soccer has always been my outlet when I need to take a breath, reset, or just get out of the house or away from school. When I picture myself in the future, I picture myself in a stadium either playing, watching, or coaching. I don’t plan on soccer ever not being a significant part of my life.
Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?
I believe I was nominated because of my wholehearted commitment to being a better person and player for my teammates and club.
What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?
I love the community that the Rapids has throughout the state. I love going to MLS games at DSGP and seeing all the kids wearing their uniforms and cheering for the team regardless of if they win or lose. I always feel part of something bigger when I see people wearing Rapids gear or talking about the games or when I see their merchandise in stores.
What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?
The soccer accomplishment that I’m most proud of is helping my school team reach the furthest round of playoffs we had been to in over 5 years. Rapids wise, my proudest accomplishment is getting trusted by my team to take both PKs in what ended up being a 2-0 win to get first place in our end-of-season tournament.
What academic achievement are you most proud of?
Graduating 2 years early at 16 years old.
How do you think your teammates would describe you?
A few of the teams that I have been on have ended up calling me ‘Coach Mollie’ or joke that I’m like a personal trainer because my main goal as a player is to always motivate my team and have a contagiously positive attitude.
What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?
Along with one of my friends, I helped organize a walkout for mental health awareness after an attempted suicide of one of our classmates. I’m very passionate about helping with the mental health epidemic, especially in teens and athletes. I’m also working with the YouthRoots nonprofit organization to raise funds for teenage mental health in Colorado.
What’s your favorite soccer player and team?
My favorite team is Manchester City and my favorite player is John Stones
What do you hope to pursue in the near future?
I want to get a PhD in Sports Psychology and use that knowledge to become a coach or tactical analyst. Eventually, I’d want to try to become a coach in one of the top 5 European leagues.
Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!
Taylor Kornieck is a big inspiration of mine. She coached me at a CU Buffs summer camp in 2016 and after that I watched almost every CU game of hers. I also got to watch her USWNT debut in person. She is an incredible player and person and I am inspired by her work ethic, incredible field presence, and attitude in and outside the game.
What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?
I really enjoy geography, traveling, and learning about other cultures.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
