Most high school soccer players get worked up when thinking about the approaching season. Katie Davies is looking forward to some relaxation.

"The high school season is going to be time to have some fun," said Davies, a sophomore at Xenia High School. "It's going to be a time to relax and get away from serious soccer."

Don't get Davies wrong — varsity soccer is still a serious sport in her mind — it's just that after playing on the Olympic Development circuit this summer she's looking forward to facing foes with friends from her hometown.

Davies recently wrapped up a stint as one of 30 players on the Region II Under-15 Pool Team in the US Youth Soccer Girls Olympic Development Program.

"The competition was very high," Davies said.

Now Davies can turn her attention and experience to Xenia's season. A starter as a freshman, Davies was second-team All-Greater Western Ohio Conference East Division and All-Dayton Area South honors as a center/back. The Bucs won 14 straight games (after starting 1-2-3) en route to a Division I district title. Xenia lost to Westerville North 3-2 in a shootout in the regional semifinals.

Davies and the Bucs are hoping for a similar run and have visions of playing in the state finals. Were that to happen, Davies would get just one week off before returning to National Team duties. She's scheduled to attend a tournament/training session in Boca Raton, Fla., during Thanksgiving.

But Davies, a soccer junkie, wouldn't have it any other way.

"It's a lot of fun," Davies said. "I like my day to be full. My life pretty much revolves around soccer, so I get excited when I have that to look forward to."