Castle View’s Julie Mackin named Gatorade girls soccer player of the year

Castle View’s Julie Mackin was named the girls soccer player of the year for Colorado by Gatorade on Tuesday morning.

Mackin, a senior, led her team with 14 goals and five assists last season, helping the Sabercats (10-7-0) reach the second round of the Class 5A state tournament. She now becomes a finalist for the national award — which was won last season by Mountain Vista’s Mallory Pugh.

“Julie Mackin’s pace and skill while on the dribble is exceptional,” Rock Canyon coach Mat Henbest in a release. “She is the reason for nearly all of the Sabercats’ success. She is a special player.”

Mackin carries a 3.98 GPA, and volunteers as a special-needs teaching assistant, and also works as a youth soccer coach.

She also is a member of the under-18 U.S. women’s national team, and was a second-team all-state pick in Class 5A the past two seasons. She has signed to play at Clemson.

Mackin is a two-sport athlete, and will be competing in the long jump, the 4×100, and 4×200 as this weekend’s state track meet.

Mackin is the first girls soccer player from Castle View to ever be honored with the award.