Watching Lindy Porritt perform a throw-in is like witnessing a superhero realize their special ability.

It requires a certain suspension of belief to accept that a U15 player can whirl the ball all over the field the way Porritt does, and it’s a feat that never gets old.

But like Peter Parker’s web or Bruce Wayne’s aerodynamics, one’s unique gift is never bestowed without labor.  

Porritt has honed her skills and developed as a player through a process that would rival the plotline of your favorite Marvel Comics character.  

The Reluctance

“When she first learned to throw she was really shy about it, believe it or not,” said her father Rick. “She never wanted to take the throws. She always looked at it as bragging or showing off.”

But a standout can only fit in for so long. Porritt is blessed with a combination of great strength and flexibility that she sharpened during her youth as a dancer. So when she watched as her fellow 8-year-old teammates threw harmless balls that fell to their feet, it was only a matter of time before she assumed the role she was made for.

The Development

“When I started playing competitively my dad taught me the technique of throwing the ball correctly – with height and power,” Lindy said. “A lot of people think that throwing comes from having strong arms, but it’s perfected through your core and your back.”

With those principles in mind, Lindy took to the backyard with her father where she would polish her craft. Using a medicine ball, lateral movements and stretching, the young talent began realizing her potential.

Father Rick always made sure Lindy didn’t push herself too hard in training. The throw-in can be a repetitive grind, particularly when you do it with the force and intensity that Lindy does.

The Identity

With San Diego Surf etched across her uniform and the ball above her head, Lindy cocks her arms back – way back – like she’s trying to reach for the small of her back. With one final lunge forward she snaps the ball in a hurling motion and sends it into the stratosphere as if shot out of a cannon.

Maybe it finds one of her teammates like Jessica Morales, Abby Palkowitz, Brittany Doan, Courtney Coate or Elise Stroot; or maybe it doesn’t. But it almost always leaves spectators in awe.

Despite her versatility as a midfielder and ball-winner, Lindy has come to be known for these moments during a match. She no longer runs from the spectacle, and even gets a thrill out of seeing opposing players who can compete with her tosses.  

“I love to see other people with a long throw, and I give them the same reaction that people give me,” she said. “It’s rare to see it, but I when I do I wonder if they have trained and worked at their throw the way I have.”

The Responsibility

“To be able to throw the ball that far as a 14-year-old is pretty rare,” said Surf coach Hadrian Greenwood. “I was shocked the first time I saw it. We don’t like to overuse the throw-in but it’s an exceptional quality and it helps us win.”

And the Surf win their fair share. As an ECNL participant they compete against the toughest competition in the country and they’re never afraid to unleash their secret weapon along the sideline.

It was the same for Lindy at Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, where she made waves as a freshman and set up one particular game-winning goal with a late throw.

She’s more dangerous than a corner kick, and the unquestioned top option any time her team has a chance to get their hands on the ball.

“It’s an encouraging feeling to know that I’m doing something to help my team win,” Lindy said. “I love watching people with amazing foot skills, and I always wanted to be one of those players.

“But we all have our own talents.”