Shira Rand of Rye girls soccer on trying for another state title, life

Shira Rand, a 17-year-old rising senior for the Rye girls soccer team, says her focus this offseason is getting more dangerous in the attacking third as she prepares for high school fall tryouts on Aug. 24. A Cornell commit, Rand split time last fall as a playmaking midfielder and defender, totaling 18 assists and helping Rye win two state championships, earning all-state honors. Coach Rich Savage trusted her to “shut down” top offensive players, but Rand says the graduation of eight seniors raises the bar for returning players. The article also notes her taekwondo background: Rand is a black belt and cites her strength, including working with trainer Charlotte Keenan. She also shares that she worked as a counselor for New York Soccer Club’s summer camp.