A 2019 Pella High School graduate and Lady Dutch athlete has earned a national honor for her academic success. Josie Lickteig was named to the United Soccer Coaches High School Scholar All-America Team. It is one of the highest honors awarded by the organization and recognizes stellar on-field accomplishments as well as exceptional academic performance. Lickteig says while she loved competing on the field, she always felt her performance in the classroom was a priority.

“It meant a lot, especially because I’ve always kept academics first and soccer was always my second priority, and it means a lot — especially senior year, to be able to win something that appreciates both of those,” she says.

Lickteig, on top of the All-America Scholar honor, received two different All-State selections this season for her on-the-field performance, helping to lead Pella to their 3rd state tournament appearance in four years.