Aliso Niguel forward Zaneta Wyne entered her senior season with the mind-set that in order to achieve both individual and team success, she would have to embrace the responsibilities of being a team leader.

Wyne scored a team-leading nine goals and had nine assists for the Wolverines this season, and her inspired play helped them qualify for the CIF-SS Division I playoffs. Once there, Wyne took her game to another level, tallying three game-winning goals and leading the Wolverines to the CIF-SS Division I semifinals.

For her hard work, ability to produce in clutch situations and unyielding commitment to improving her team, Wyne was selected as the Register's girls soccer player of the year.

“This recognition helped make this year complete for me,” said Wyne. “Though our team didn't make to CIF finals, it backs up all the hard work that went into this season.”

She said an early-season challenge from her coach helped shape her season.

“Coach (Randy) Dodge told me that as a senior and four-year varsity player, I needed to step it up,” she said.

Wyne's enduring legacy is that she came through when her team needed it most, something that she looks to build upon at the next level.

“It will be a good challenge for me,” said Wyne, who will attend the University of New Mexico. “But I'm confident that with more hard work, I can succeed.”

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com