While pregame pump-up music can run the gamut, from hip-hop to rock to country, Reagan Kotschau’s choice marks her as a player for all seasons.
The junior midfielder at Broomfield High (Colo.) turns to the Cody Johnson’s “Hat Made of Mistletoe,” a track off his 2021 Christmas album, to center herself before games. At 118 beats per minute, the uptempo country song reverberates through her Nissan Rogue, signaling that she’s ready to play.
Don’t question what works, and for Kotschau, the song worked its magic this week.
In the 5A state quarterfinals against Rock Canyon (Littleton), Kotschau placed the ball on the line for a penalty kick. The score was tied 1-1 with nine minutes left in overtime. As she backed up, she took a couple deep breaths.
“I got this,” Kotschau said. “I just need to get it past one person.”
With her right foot, she threaded the ball past the Rock Canyon goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
A sea of blue flooded the field. Kotschau’s go-ahead goal sent the Eagles to the semifinals and earned her JWS Player of the Week honors.
In Thursday’s semifinals, Kotschau’s leadership resounded across the pitch. With confidence and poise, she made key plays to help propel the Eagles to a 2-1 overtime win against Columbine. They’ll head to the state final Wednesday for a chance at back-to-back titles.
Kotschau is the leading scorer for Broomfield, recording 13 goals this season for an average of 1.6 per game. The midfielder also racked up six assists, averaging 0.8 per game.
Coach Jim Davidson relies on Kotschau’s play-making ability. The Eagles play her high in the midfield, giving Kotschau ample opportunity to score.
“Everybody knows Reagan is an outstanding player, and I’m sure other teams are match-prepping their game plan around her,” Davidson said. “She continues to find ways to be dynamic.”
Kotschau’s family fostered a love for soccer. Her parents played soccer at George Mason University in Virginia. As a child, she watched her father, Ritchie Kotschau, play in the MLS.
At age 3, she began to chart a path of her own, eventually finding a home in the middle of the field.
“When I was playing forward, I couldn’t defend. I’d just kind of have to watch when the ball gets too far back,” Kotschau said. “In the midfield, you’re involved in everything. You get to be creative going forward or you get to help your team defending.”
Kotschau is committed to Washington State University. A year from now, she and her family will make the thousand-mile trip to Pullman, Washington, so she can continue her journey — a drive that should provide plenty of opportunities to play her favorite pump-up song.
