Goal Getter: Octavia Hall’s Record-Breaking Soccer Run at Hazelwood East

Under the bright sky at Hazelwood East High School’s soccer field, senior Octavia Hall is doing what she has always loved—scoring goals and leading her team.

For Octavia, soccer isn’t just a sport. It’s been a lifelong passion.

“I’ve been playing all my life,” she said. “I’ve been at Hazelwood East since the eighth-grade program, and soccer has always been a big part of who I am.”

Now a senior and team captain, Octavia is entering her final high school season with a record already under her belt. After scoring between 30 and 40 goals, she currently ranks third in the state in total goals scored, an incredible accomplishment for the Hazelwood East standout.

“Octavia is one of the best players I’ve ever seen,” Coach Watz explained. “She is definitely one of the best players I’ve coached. She’s one of the top 20 goal scorers in the state consistently, and one away from her 50th, so that’s really exciting going into this season.”

But for Octavia, the numbers are only part of the story.

“Everyone loves scoring,” she said with a smile. “That’s the whole point of soccer. But this season I really want to have fun and enjoy my last year.”

Octavia has seen the Hazelwood East soccer program transform during her four years on the team. When she first arrived as a freshman, the team had only about 15 players. Today, the program has grown to nearly 40 athletes, with both varsity and junior varsity teams.

A big part of that growth has come under the leadership of Coach Watz, who started coaching the team during Octavia’s freshman year.

“I’ve known Coach Watz since freshman year,” Octavia said. “He’s a really good coach. I’ve basically been with him the entire time, and it’s been amazing seeing how the program has grown.”

As captain, Octavia isn’t just focused on her own performance—she’s committed to helping others improve.

“A lot of players come up to me and ask, ‘Octavia, how do I do this?’” she said. “I really enjoy teaching everyone who’s out here playing.”

That leadership has helped shape the team culture, creating an environment where players support each other both on and off the field.

While Octavia is focused on making the most of her senior season, she’s also thinking ahead about her future. One school that has captured her interest is the University of Louisville, where she hopes to pursue a career in radiology.

“This is beyond sports,” Octavia explained. “Louisville has the radiology program that I’m interested in.”

Because Louisville competes at the Division I level, Octavia is considering joining the university’s club soccer team or walking on to the varsity roster.

“I feel like I’d have a better chance of playing on the club team,” she said. “But either way, I’d still get to keep playing soccer.”

She has also received interest from several NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) programs, giving her multiple opportunities to continue her athletic journey.

This soccer season will run through early May, culminating in one of the moments Octavia is most looking forward to: Senior Night.

“We have about 12 seniors,” she said. “Senior Night is going to be really special. They announce our names, our grades, and how long we’ve been playing. It’s something you’ll always remember.”

But there’s another game circled on Octavia’s calendar.

“I can’t wait to go against our rival Central,” she said.

As she prepares to close the final chapter of her high school career, Octavia hopes her legacy will extend beyond the record books.

“Definitely the record of scoring,” she said. “But I also hope the other players keep going, keep scoring, and most importantly keep enjoying the game.”

For Octavia, soccer has always been about more than goals; it’s about teamwork, growth, and passion.

“Soccer shouldn’t feel like a chore,” she said. “It’s something you should enjoy playing with other people and getting to know everyone else.”

With her leadership, talent, and love for the game, Octavia Hall’s final season at Hazelwood East promises to be one that Spartans—and soccer fans—won’t forget.