Las Vegas Premier has grabbed its share of USYS State titles – four alone on the girls’ side last year.

And that’s perfect, because McKenzie Karas, one of the club’s best players, is all about winning. Well, that, and improving on her enormous talent.

The 5-foot-10 center back has a powerful right leg and a soccer comprehension that has already taken her places. It will take her to Washington when she graduates in 2012, and probably to her pick of elite teams between now and then.

She was brought into U17 U.S. National Camp in September and played against the U15 national squad last month in Boca Raton, Florida where she competed for her Region IV 94 group alongside the likes of Jamie Fink, Stephanie Amack, and Ryan Walker.

“I learned a lot about how to push yourself to the limit and play at a higher level no matter what,” said Karas, of surrounding herself with the best players in the country. “It was good being around players like Maya Theuer and Riley Parker – they’re really good assets.”  

So is Karas’ approach to the game.

“My goal is to make the (senior) National Team,” Karas said. “And win a lot of titles.”

Karas is one of a few gems in Vegas. Here are some others:

Indiana Mead, Neusport: A smart central midfielder, Mead is a player with winning tradition. She’ll be at UC Santa Barbara next season where she’ll bring her natural feel for the game – her ability to make effective runs off the ball and field vision.

Alyssa Kleiner, Neusport: Mead’s teammate Kleiner makes the squad a dangerous team. A winger, she’s always a factor on the attacking side. She’ll be heading to Santa Clara next season.

Alexandra Owens, Las Vegas Premier: Just a U15 player, Owens has already created some buzz with her attacking ability. She’ll have several college suitors in the coming years.

On the men’s side:

Nico Johnson, Las Vegas Premier: Is a fast and creative U18 player who you should keep an eye on.