CASTINE — Kaitlyn Shute and Lilah Chaar were both members of the Searsport girls soccer team in their high school years. 

Now, the 2015 high school graduates are teammates on the women’s soccer team Maine Maritime Academy in Castine and spoke to PenBayPilot.com for a series where former Midcoast athletes provide advice and insight on life as a collegiate student-athlete. 

Shute noted she was attracted to Maine Maritime because the women’s soccer program has a fantastic coaching staff and a family like atmosphere with, what she said, are amazing and incredibly supportive fans. 

“When I came to my recruit stay everyone made me feel so welcome,” she said. “All the players were extremely nice and I felt instantly like the group of girls and myself would get along so well. The soccer program combined with the international business and logistics program made me realize this school was the right place for me and my future.” 

On the field, the juniors are eager to improve their craft. 

Shute, a forward, listed her field goals: “Focus on the process and be in the now. Motivate my teammates. Feel like I have improved my game every time I step off of the field. Do my job.”

Chaar, a defender, likewise listed her goals: 

“To be someone who never gives up,” she said. “Coming from a Class D school, college soccer was a huge step up for me and was extremely challenging, at first. I’ve learned with hard work, practicing on my own time, and improving my skills on the off season all pay off. I constantly want to be learning and evolving myself as a player.”

Shute appeared in five games during her freshman season and seven in her sophomore. Chaar appeared in 11 games during her freshman season and 17, starting in 14 of those, her sophomore year. 

What insight do Shute and Chaar have for current Midcoast athletes hoping to play collegiate athletics? 

“Come ready to play and be able to adapt your game,” Shute stated.

“The relationships you will create with other players, and your coach will last you a lifetime,” Chaar said. “You come into school your freshman year with a large group of friends immediately. Being on a collegiate soccer team teaches you so many life lessons, as well as constantly pushes you mentally and physically.”

In the classroom, the pair aim to be Dean’s List students every semester. Both are international business and logistics majors. 

With high aspirations athletically and academically, how do these two stay motivated? 

Shute noted her family is what motivates her, while Chaar is driven by a desire to be the best possible version of herself and to set up her future now ensuring she is successful and happy. 

Both began playing soccer at a young age, with Shute starting at age seven and Chaar in Kindergarten. 

“I ended up falling in the love with the game and have played ever since,” Shute said. 

“Soccer was something I was good at doing and enjoyed so I never stopped playing,” said Chaar. “Now that playing soccer is held to higher level of thinking and more psychically demanding, I love it more than ever.”

The teammates both tied their love of soccer into what they believe consists of their greatest accomplishments to date. 

“As of right now, [my greatest accomplishment] would be overcoming two painful knee surgeries by the age of 17 and being able to continue playing the sport that I love,” Shute said.  

For Chaar, attending MMA is an accomplishment unto itself — “Creating friendships, being a part of the soccer team, as well as doing well in the classroom and getting internships,” she said.

Following college, Shute plans to obtain a job within her field that would allow her ample travel opportunities. Chaar, meanwhile, is unsure what field she wants to work in, though she is keen on having logistics be part of her position. 

“I love problem solving and not always having the right and wrong answer in front of me,” Chaar said. 

In the future, Shute hopes to travel to Tahiti while Chaar is hoping to visit an island off Greece or Lebanon. 

Filling up Shute’s schedule, aside from academic and athletic commitments, are visits to Popham Beach in Phippsburg, whale watching tours and watching Criminal Minds on Netflix.

Chaar goes on adventures with friends. Those adventures sometimes include exploring all the towns in Maine, especially those on the coast, while also trying out new restaurants in Portland, visiting beaches, and hiking. 

Shute’s favorite quote, from Bobby Unser, is: “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”

Chaar’s favorite quote, which is an Arabic proverb, is: “Sunshine all the time makes a desert.”

Reach George Harvey and the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.