Sports Locker • January/February 2025 • Quillen Spurling

At Calvary Lutheran High School, senior goalkeeper Quillen Spurling has spent years shaping not only the soccer program but also his own journey as an athlete, leader, and faithful servant. While the determined athlete might first catch your attention with his 600+ saves or school records, it’s his heart for his team and community that sets him apart.

Quillen’s soccer story begins humbly. “I started playing in third grade, but I didn’t really love soccer until later.” A turning point came when he and his family, including his twin sister, Willow, and triplet older brothers—Izayah, Josiah, and Micah— joined Calvary Lutheran. The Spurlings brought their collective passion for the sport and helped start the school’s soccer team. “We literally had to recruit students from the hallways to fill out the roster. Some had never played before, including my brothers, but those players stayed and became key parts of our team.”

The team’s early years were challenging. Losses piled up—season after season. But for Quillen, the struggle forged something stronger than a winning record. “It wasn’t about loving the sweet smell of victory; it was about loving each other and the people we met on the field. We learned how to persevere, to appreciate the game, and to find joy in playing together.”

It all paid off during his junior year when the team secured its first win. “That first victory made all the losses worth it. We learned to fight for each other, not just the scoreboard.” By his senior year, Calvary’s soccer team was competing in district playoffs and celebrating their first majority-winning season— a testament to the resilience Quillen and his teammates cultivated over years of adversity.

As goalkeeper, Quillen has been the backbone of Calvary’s defense. His approach to the game is analytical and precise. “In the goalie box, I’m constantly calculating angles, positioning, and strategy. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about using knowledge and experience to guide my team and stop the ball.” That focus and dedication have made him a record-breaker at Calvary, but he’s quick to credit others for his success. “My keeper coach, Ross Schlichting, taught me not just about soccer but about life. Those one-on-one sessions shaped me as a player and a person.”

Off the field, Quillen’s leadership extends to student government, where he serves as vice president, and to his involvement in his school’s tightknit community. “My mom, Leanne, always prayed I would be a leader after God’s heart. That prayer has stuck with me. Whether it’s organizing events or mentoring younger students, I want to create an atmosphere at Calvary where everyone feels welcomed and valued.”

Family has always been a driving force in Quillen’s life. He speaks warmly of his parents, Bart and Leanne, who modeled hard work and unconditional love. “Even when I was going through rough patches, they provided for me without hesitation.” His siblings have also played a pivotal role, especially Willow, who plays striker on the soccer team. “She’s my partner on and off the field. We push each other to be better.”

As graduation approaches, Quillen is preparing for the next chapter. He’s been accepted to Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he plans to study aerospace engineering. While he doesn’t intend to play collegiate soccer, the lessons from his years in the net will guide him forward. Quillen’s legacy at Calvary Lutheran is clear. He’s leaving behind not just records and accolades but a blueprint for building a team and a community. “Nothing we’ve achieved came easily. It was earned through hard work and trust. I hope the younger players see that and continue to build on what we’ve started.”

For Quillen Spurling, guarding the goal is more than just stopping shots. It’s about standing firm for his teammates, his school, and his faith—a legacy as solid as the saves that have defined his high school career.