Western Washington University won their second women’s soccer national championship on Dec. 3 against West Chester. We caught up with Federal Way High School alum Karina Provo after the Vikings’ semifinal victory against Columbus State University three days prior.

Provo was sidelined last Thursday with a broken fibula, which she suffered in the Viking West Regional Championship against Concordia University Irvine. Injuries have just found their way into Provo’s career. She has suffered two ACL tears and has had knee surgery three times.

“Obviously I want to be on the field, I want to be out there. But the fact that we are able to experience this and be at the festival where all sports are together, I couldn’t be happier and more grateful,” she said.

Western took down the number three seeded Columbus State University by a score of 2-1. The Vikings took a 2-0 lead midway through the second half, but a late Cougar goal put everyone on the edge of their seat, including Provo.

“This team has always been a powerhouse with just some crazy games, but this one was different,” she said.

Watching games from the sidelines is arguably one of the most difficult things to do as an athlete. Karina has been at Western since 2017, and in that time, she has grown into a leader.

“The fact that this team is always looking to get better and grow, it is a great environment to be around. We have always had that growth mindset, being there for each other and supporting one another. I’ve learned a lot,” Provo said.

This season for Karina was a special one because she tallied her first collegiate goal. It came on Oct. 22 against Western’s biggest rival, Northwest Nazarene University.

“It was unlike anything I had ever felt,” Provo said.

She may have been the one to put the ball in the back of the net, but she gave full credit to her teammates.

“It wasn’t just about me, but my teammates and everyone who contributed to that moment,” she said. “It was like nothing else I have ever experienced. It was great.”

Western has played all over the country for national tournaments including Dallas, Pittsburgh and Portland. But this year they played in Seattle, and Provo didn’t even know until the middle of the season.

“To be here with my team is unexplainable and indescribable. It is amazing and the fact we have such a deep squad and so many young players playing a huge part is amazing,” Provo said.

Provo has played her last game at Western — she will not be playing next season. But her passion for the sport is still strong: “I do plan to continue playing soccer, whether it’s for fun or with a team in the King County area.”