Although Kate Bennett won’t set foot on the pitch this season in a Bellevue uniform, she’s still around the program – voted as a honorary captain of the team she scored 21 goals for in her first two seasons after leaving last year to train to make the U.S. Youth National team.

“I’ve gotten a lot out of it,” Bennett said, watching the Wolverines go through drills on the practice field. “It’s always fun to be around the girls.”

Bennett tore her ACL near the end of June playing against a team from Alaska with the National team when she was wrapped up in a collision with an opposing played.

As a result, Bennett will miss the season with rehab. She shows no sign of a limp now, and for once, she’ll have a little time away from soccer.

“It is kind of hard to watch sometimes,” Bennett said. “But it also gives me a chance to do other things for awhile.”

Things like getting prepared for college. Bennett has accepted a full-ride scholarship to play next season at the Cal-Berkley.

“I just really liked it there,” Bennett said. “I just had a good vibe about it.”

While Bennett, a Parade All-American, will miss the year, her teammates say they’re dedicating the season to her.

“We came out and decided that we were going to play for Kate since she doesn’t have a chance to play her senior year,” said senior Alyssa Gilbert. “It’s a heartbreaker for her.”