Columbia City basketball star Baxter setting new goals with soccer

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (WANE) – Ask any coach at Columbia City about Addi Baxter, and one of the first things to comes to mind is how the senior is a generational athlete.

Last year, the Butler basketball commit played a huge role in helping Columbia City earn a 22-3 record. For her efforts, Baxter was named a core member of the Indiana Junior All-Star team .

While many know Baxter for her work on the basketball court, the senior is proving she can also dominate on the soccer pitch. Baxter only started playing soccer in eighth grade, thanks mainly to her sister, Megan.

“She just has been super helpful on the mental side and the physical side,” Baxter said about her older sister.

Baxter wasted no time making an impact as a striker with the Eagles’ girls soccer team. As her soccer career winds down, the senior has re-written the record books.

Heading into the final week of the regular season, Baxter has tallied 33 goals this season, including seven in a win over New Haven. That total is a single-season high in program history . In total, Baxter has 80 career goals, which is also a program record.

“A lot of it just goes back to my team,” Baxter said when asked about her records in girls soccer. “Players that I’ve played with all four years have been great and have set me up for success here.”

Mike Cotter, Columbia City’s head girls soccer coach, remembers how Baxter had little soccer skill when she started playing before high school. However, Baxter’s focus and rare athleticism helped her acclimate and dominate opposing players.

“She’s worked her tail off to be able to figure it out, and outwork the girls she’s playing against,” Cotter said. “Bottom line, it’s determination.”

With sectionals just around the corner, Baxter is looking to soak in at least a couple more weeks on the pitch with her teammates before attention completely shifts to basketball.

“Just to be able to grow with these girls and continue and build these relationships, and trust God that it’s all going to work out,” Baxter said.

Columbia City wraps up regular season play with matches against Leo and Canterbury.

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