Mount Si Wildcats senior girls soccer player Shelby Johnson believes this is the year her team will experience a breakthrough on the soccer pitch.

Johnson, who has started as a midfielder for the Wildcats for the past three seasons, relishes being a go-to player for her team. Playing the midfielder allows Johnson the freedom to set up her teammates and drive the offense at all times.

“It is definitely fun and is a lot of work. You have to really be there for your teammates and keep your fitness level up. I feel like I’m pretty calm on the ball and can always find a good pass,” Johnson said.

Johnson, who is 5-feet tall, doesn’t let her lack of size stop her from running the show on the field.

“I am pretty aggressive. Being 5-feet tall, you have to be more aggressive,” she said.

The Wildcats currently have an overall record of 3-3-1 but Johnson expects her team to be in contention for a playoff spot in late October.

“Our team goal is to make it to the playoffs. We’re doing a lot better than we have in the past few years. I feel like we have more team cohesion. We’re all really positive and all of us work well together,” Johnson said.

Johnson said it will be hard to walk away from the Wildcats soccer program following the conclusion of her senior season later this fall.

“It is going to be so sad. I’m going to miss it a lot and will definitely miss all of the girls on the team,” she said.

Recently the Snoqualmie Valley Record asked Johnson some questions about her life away from the soccer field.

Snoqualmie Valley Record: What is your favorite restaurant in the Snoqualmie/North Bend region?

Shelby Johnson: North Bend Bar and Grill.

SVR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your iPod right now?

SJ: I listen to Jack Johnson a lot.

SVR: What is your favorite hobby away from soccer?

SJ: I compete in gymnastics.

SVR: Who was your idol growing up?

SJ: My parents. They’re so encouraging and nice.

SVR: What is your dream vacation spot?

SJ: Paris, France. I have always wanted to go there.