Basha High School Soccer Stars Excel at Kicking

Two Basha High athletes bring their soccer skills to the gridiron as the school chases another state championship.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Soccer

Basha High School Soccer Stars Excel at Kicking

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Is playing multiple sports in high school beneficial for student athletes' long-term development?

Mikey Barth and Nate Schuhrke have successfully transitioned their skills from the soccer pitch to the football field at Basha High School in Chandler. While Barth has committed to play at Arizona State University, Schuhrke balances his role as a goalkeeper with his duties as a kicker.

Why it matters

The success of these multi-sport athletes highlights the growing pipeline of soccer-trained kickers entering high-level football programs. Their ability to adapt technical motions between sports provides Basha High with a distinct advantage in their pursuit of a state title.

Coach Collin Bottrill brings 26 years of high school experience to the program, including 16 years focused on special teams. Barth, who began playing soccer at age three, transitioned to kicking footballs in seventh grade.

The players

Mikey Barth

He is a Basha High School kicker who has committed to continue his football career at Arizona State University.

Nate Schuhrke

He serves as a kicker for the football team while simultaneously competing as a goalkeeper for the school soccer program.

Collin Bottrill

He has coached in Arizona for 26 years and currently serves as the special teams coach at Basha High School.

The details

Barth and Schuhrke collaborate during training, watching each other to refine their swing mechanics and contact points. This dual-sport background allows them to adjust their kicking techniques to meet the specific requirements of the football field.

The 2026 high school football season is currently underway.

Season Trajectory

This performance by Basha High School's kicking team mirrors the broader trend of athletes using specialized soccer training to secure spots in the NCAA Division 1 scholarship recruitment process. The team's current trajectory aims toward capturing their eighth championship title this season.

Basha High's success relies on the technical precision of their kickers to secure crucial points in high-stakes championship games. The development of these athletes directly impacts the school's potential to add to their tally of state rings.

The takeaway

Developing multi-sport versatility can provide athletes with unique technical advantages that translate across different fields. Students looking to excel in specialized positions should consider how fundamental training from one sport can be adapted to improve performance in another.