Kennedy Kieneker didn’t see it coming.

Last week, the Redmond High senior soccer player was selected to compete for the West squad in the Second Annual High School All-American Game on Dec. 13 in Raleigh, NC. The University of Arizona-bound Kieneker is one of 42 of the nation’s elite girls prep players tabbed for the match.

“It was crazy — I had no idea (about the game),” Kieneker said about hearing the news. “I was really excited.”

To prepare for the match, Kieneker, 17, will soon begin training four to five times a week with her Crossfire Premier U18 club team, which competes in the Elite Clubs National League. On the high school front, she scored four goals this fall for Redmond High, which is finished for the season.

The players are chosen for the All-American Game based on their career high school achievements and must have played their senior season. Over the years, Kieneker has scored 4A Kingco first-team honors and team most valuable player awards.

Kieneker said she tries to stay humble and not let success get to her head. She figures it’s her consistent play and hard work that landed her an All-American Game spot.

“It’s a work ethic to get to the ball first every time,” Kieneker noted as being one of her strengths.

She also praised her teammates: “Without them, I don’t think I could have done it. They played me some incredible balls.” The Mustang said her teammates also handled her passes well and were there for support on and off the field.

The All-American Game is being sponsored in part by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Adidas, Noxin Trucking and Soccer.com.