Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • Everyday
    • Education
    • Neighborhood Notes
  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • Artist Profiles
    • Food Shopping
    • Local Farmers
    • Music
    • Restaurants
  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • Around The House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • History
  • Photos
    • Community Events
    • Local Attractions
    • Sporting Events
  • Non-Profits
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Dogs & Pets
    • Family & Kids
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Running
    • Parks and Beaches
    • Thrifty Thurston
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Search
Saturday, July 19, 2025
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
ThurstonTalk
  • Everyday
    • AllEducationNeighborhood Notes
      upclose photo of the trunk of the largest madrone tree in Olympia

      Check Out Olympia’s Largest Trees

      An Aerial photo of the back of 7417 Johnson Road SE, with a view of the pool

      Sotheby’s Broker Courtney Drennon Offers a Unique, Multifunctional Acreage Property on…

      A life-size cardboard cutout of reformer Susan B. Anthony stands next to the red velvet chair she reportedly sat in at the Bigelow House. A desk with flowers and pamphlets are behind the cut out and a tied shelf is next to the chair with different porcelain vases and pitchers on it.

      Suffragist Susan B. Anthony Visited Olympia in 1871 to Address Territorial…

      a woman laughs while playing with a foosball table at Legends Arcade

      Shop, Dine, Explore and Bank LocOly: It Means More for You…

  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • AllArtist ProfilesFood ShoppingLocal FarmersMusicRestaurants
      Rendering of a spacious cafeteria-style building with people sitting and walking around

      New Restaurant in Downtown Olympia Opening Soon

      Unique Pop-Up Vendor Brings Dirty Sodas to Olympia Area

      a bottle of Woodborne Spirits vodka with chantrelle mushrooms lying around it

      From Forest to Bottle: Woodborne Spirits turns Chanterelles into Award-Winning Gin…

      a bowl of bao with a red spoon with broth held over it. A bao is being held above the spoon with chopsticks

      Get Your Bao Some Bao in Thurston County: New Dough Zone…

  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • AllAround The HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsServicesWomen in Business

      Helping Clients, Problem Solving and Trust-Building are Key for Redfin Agent…

      An Intercity Transit bus on a road with green grass next to it a tree full of cherry blossoms

      Intercity Transit Embarks on Year-Long Process to Redesign Bus System Serving…

      a girl sits at a table on a laptop, a man is next her holding a cellphone and across the table is a young boy holding a tablet

      Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing: What It Means for Thurston…

      outside of the WSECU Hawks Prairie branch with the letters "WSECU" in white on the front and empty parking spaces in front.

      WSECU Guides Members Through Life’s Major Financial Events With In-Person Banking…

  • History
    • Go Boating With Olympia Outboard Club

      A life-size cardboard cutout of reformer Susan B. Anthony stands next to the red velvet chair she reportedly sat in at the Bigelow House. A desk with flowers and pamphlets are behind the cut out and a tied shelf is next to the chair with different porcelain vases and pitchers on it.

      Suffragist Susan B. Anthony Visited Olympia in 1871 to Address Territorial…

      Tenino Moves Historic Train Depot, 1975

      Arleen Webb Crooks Helped Make Olympia a Better Place

      Olympia History: Remembering the Daylight Bakery

  • Photos
    • AllCommunity EventsLocal AttractionsSporting Events
      capital city pride

      Thousands Gather in Olympia to Celebrate Capital City Pride 2018

      procession species olympia

      Luminary Procession 2018: Lighting Up the Rainy Night in Downtown Olympia

      snowy winter scene

      ThurstonTalk Readers Capture Christmas Snow

      Twinklefest 2017

      Twinklefest 2017 Window Displays

  • Non-Profits
    • three people stand in the back of the South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity's new truck, with two people standing on ground next to it.

      South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity Expands Work Effort With New…

      a group of kids and two adults stand under a ductless A/C system, pointing to it with one hand and giving a thumbs up with the other.

      In-Kind Donations Help Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Focus…

      a woman leans over an older youth in a wheelchair, there are other adults and kids in a playground in the background

      South Sound Parent to Parent Invites Community to Join Them in…

      Chris Hyde stands in a kitchen, writing something on a notepad, three woman stand behind him behind a counter

      The Food Source Foundation and ‘Hometown Hero’ Finalist in Olympia Heat…

      a large group of men and woman with a couple kids post for a photo, four are kneeling, the rest are standing. They are in front of a pop up tent that says 'TOGETHER!" with three hand prints next to it One woman is holding a gift basket

      The League of Foundations Unites Three Local Nonprofits to Extend their…

  • LocalTalk
    • Bear Gulch Fire: Update July 18

      a little girl cuts a large log with a saw while a woman watches her at the Oregon Trails Days in Tenino, WA

      Tenino to host the 58th Annual Oregon Trail Days Celebration July…

      Sunrise Henderson Inlet Scenic Dr Attila Talaber

      Ballots Available and Ballot Drop Boxes Open for the August 5…

      mount ellinor hiking

      Bear Gulch Fire Closure Area Expanded to Include Mount Ellinor

      Thurston County News Release: Heat Leads County to Declare Hazardous Weather…

  • Activities
    • AllDogs & PetsFamily & KidsIndoorOutdoorGardeningOutdoor RecreationBikingCampingHikingRunningParks and BeachesThrifty Thurston

      Go Boating With Olympia Outboard Club

      upclose photo of the trunk of the largest madrone tree in Olympia

      Check Out Olympia’s Largest Trees

      People on the shore at Tolmie State Beach during low tide, with an island in the distance and clouds in the sky

      State Park Near Olympia-Lacey That’s Great for Picnicking, Walking and More

      a man fishes in a small boat on Lake Sylvia, trees cover the bank on the other side

      Visit Washington Coast’s Lake Sylvia

  • Events
    • A little girl in a cowboy hat and sequin blue, teal and silver western show shirt standing with a black miniature horse with a white face and white legs at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds

      Gates of the Popular Grays Harbor County Fair Open July 30…

      Hell's Belle rock group performing on stage to a crowd of people

      Rock Out With Hell’s Belles and Nite Wave During Downtown Olympia’s…

      Lavender growing in a field with buds on the stems at Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm

      Closing After 13 Years? The Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm in Olympia…

      a group of people stand next to a red motorcycle, two of them are holding a giant check.

      An Exciting Summer Is Ahead at Mason Health, With Installation of…

      long sticks with salmon attached them over an open flam. A black belt runs in front of the fire pit that says Lucky Eagle Casino Resort

      Heat up Your Family’s Summer at the Barbecue Festival in Yelm

    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Home Capital High School Capital’s Van Soderberg Kicks His Way to the University of Washington

Capital’s Van Soderberg Kicks His Way to the University of Washington

By
Hali Ehresmann, Capital High School intern
-
Van Soderberg is excited to pursue college football at the University of Washington.

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
FacebookTweetPin

 

By Hali Ehresmann, Capital High School Intern to ThurstonTalk

Hometown logoCapital High School’s Van Soderberg has a big future in store. The 17-year-old kicker has recently announced his commitment to play collegiate football for the University of Washington. “I was one hundred percent on board with the idea from the start,” says Soderberg, who is looking forward to reaching his full potential and further advancing the skills in his position.

Van Soderberg is excited to pursue college football at the University of Washington.
Van Soderberg is excited to pursue college football at the University of Washington.

With a background in soccer, the transition to kicking a football was relatively fluid. The training, however, isn’t as simple. “It’s a really individualistic situation. Unlike normal team practice, the training is up to [me].” Soderberg also says that his training schedule changes weekly based on what he did and did not do well in the team’s latest games. One of the hardest parts of the job is being consistent, especially under pressure. “You only have a few opportunities a game and are expected to make the most of those chances. The clock is ticking and every day is another opportunity to create great memories,” he shares.

Last season, against Central Kitsap, he had a close miss on a 50-yard field goal attempt. The game was in the second half of the fourth quarter, the score tied at 0-0. Then, in overtime, Soderberg had a moment that kickers dream of. He had the chance to score the game winner. With that last miss rattling his brain, he took a deep breath and went for it. Soderberg says making that game-winning kick is one of his favorite memories.  His first varsity game freshman year versus Centralia is another high point for him.

“He’s a great leader on the field. He keeps everyone’s morale up and stays focused and engaged the entire game,” says quarterback Cody Jenkins. “It’s awesome having a kicker you can always rely on to drill a field goal or pin somebody deep with a punt or kick the ball through the end zone for a touchback.”

Soderberg (no. 3) and the CHS Cougar team have a chat with Coach Johnson
Soderberg (#3) and the CHS Cougar team have a chat with Coach Johnson.

The road to college ball was fairly smooth. After sending film of his games to multiple schools, and hearing back from a few, the four-year varsity starter was especially pleased when he saw that the Huskies were among those who answered. After multiple visits consisting of a Football Junior Day, kicking camp, and a one-on-one workout with Coaches Choate and Petersen, Soderberg says that he “did well” time and time again.

Finally, all of his hard work paid off and he received a full-ride scholarship in August. “UW is where I’ve always wanted to go as far as I can remember which made the choice easy,” Soderberg says. Also being recruited by Washington State, Montana State, Eastern Washington, and San Diego State, what swayed him to the University of Washington was their academics. Planning to major in aeronautical science or aerospace engineering, he knew that UW was the right fit.

Because the current punter for the University of Washington is graduating in 2016, coaches Jeff Choate and Chris Petersen asked Van if he would be willing to enroll in the spring quarter and play football that season as well. With no hesitation, Soderberg said yes. At the University of Washington, the 17-year-old is looking forward to a bright future.

When asked about playing ball after college, he’s all in. “The NFL is every football player’s dream, and if I got the chance to play there I would jump at the opportunity,” he shares. Soderberg says that his role models include Steven Hauschka and Jon Ryan from the Seahawks. Not one to underestimate the challenges, Soderberg says he realizes how challenging it is to play at that level, but would still welcome the opportunity if he got the chance.

Capital's steady kicker waits on the sideline until he gets an opportunity to punt.
Capital’s steady kicker waits on the sideline until he gets an opportunity to punt.

In addition to football, the honor roll student has been playing piano and cello for over ten years with his twin sister, Elsa, and is planning on becoming fluent in Spanish over the next few years. He has also played soccer since a very young age, and credits his experience in the sport to much of his success as a kicker. “He is successful because he is always practicing,” says teammate Carson Bertelli. “During soccer season I would see him punting by himself getting better, always going the extra mile and working to get better.”

Teammate Cody Jenkins adds, “All throughout winter, spring, and summer you could find Van at a football field working on kicking and punting. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone that works harder than Van.”

With an amazing opportunity to play at the next level, you’d think the kicker would brag about it. But Soderberg is described as “humble, quiet, and hardworking” by his teammates and says he is most excited to spend his senior season with the guys he has been going to school with since he was little.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
FacebookTweetPin

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
Previous articleLuxury Rugs Look Their Finest with Help from A Steve’s Professional Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning
Next articleBehind the Scenes (and Underground) in the Washington State Archives
Hali Ehresmann, Capital High School intern

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Saint Martin's University softball player in a red and black uniform. She in side a white-chalk outlined circle on red dirt with her arm outstretch and a leg back, as fi she had just thrown a ball. her other hand has a catcher's mitt on

Saint Martin’s University Hosts and Competes in Great Northwest Athletic Conference Games

Men’s U17 Quad team, Henry Loeb, Alden Starks, Silas Wilson, Evan Piazza in their boat by a dock

Olympia Area Rowing Qualifies for Youth Championships, Makes Strong Showing

high school student throwing a javelin

Olympia High School Downing Brothers Cherish Competing Together in Javelin

Upcoming Events

Jul
19
Sat
9:00 am Huey Helicopter from Olympic Fli... @ Hands On Children's Museum
Huey Helicopter from Olympic Fli... @ Hands On Children's Museum
Jul 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Huey Helicopter from Olympic Flight Museum @ Hands On Children's Museum
See a real Huey Helicopter from the Olympic Flight Museum and sit in the Pilot’s seat! Presented by Small to Tall Pediatric Dentistry Supported by Olympic Flight Museum
View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML

Local Community Sponsors

Local Community Sponsors

Business

Helping Clients, Problem Solving and Trust-Building are Key for Redfin Agent...

The transition from renter to home ownership is a big one. If we’re lucky enough to take the plunge, having a supportive, helpful real...
An Intercity Transit bus on a road with green grass next to it a tree full of cherry blossoms

Intercity Transit Embarks on Year-Long Process to Redesign Bus System Serving...

a girl sits at a table on a laptop, a man is next her holding a cellphone and across the table is a young boy holding a tablet

Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing: What It Means for Thurston...

outside of the WSECU Hawks Prairie branch with the letters "WSECU" in white on the front and empty parking spaces in front.

WSECU Guides Members Through Life’s Major Financial Events With In-Person Banking...

A Multi-Pronged Approach at Penrose Physical Therapy Keeps Patient Healthy and...

Trending Now

Bear Gulch Fire: Update July 18

upclose photo of the trunk of the largest madrone tree in Olympia

Check Out Olympia’s Largest Trees

Go Boating With Olympia Outboard Club

Editor Picks

an artist sits at a table with her paintings on display

Shelton Art Walk Returns in 2025 with a Celebration of Art,...

young boys and girls in t-shirts and shorts stand in a line on a field, the hands of an adult are seen handing the first two kids orange balls. The kid at the front of the line is throwing her ball.,

New Engaging Youth Summer Camps Have Sports, STEAM, Coding, Music, Water...

Oksana Skillings in her classroom showing huge playing cards to the seated students

North Thurston Public Schools Celebrates Educators Who Embody Joy of Learning 

Recent Posts

  • Bear Gulch Fire: Update July 18
  • Go Boating With Olympia Outboard Club
  • Tenino to host the 58th Annual Oregon Trail Days Celebration July 25-27, 2025
  • Ballots Available and Ballot Drop Boxes Open for the August 5 Primary Election
  • Bear Gulch Fire Closure Area Expanded to Include Mount Ellinor
ABOUT US
ThurstonTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County Washington, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and the surrounding area. Advertise with ThurstonTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@thurstontalk.com
FOLLOW US
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
© ThurstonTalk, Inc.
Share via
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Powered by Social Snap
Copy link
CopyCopied
Powered by Social Snap