Bianka Parrish is learning to expect the unexpected.

After all, when she took up soccer, she never anticipated she would still be playing seven years later. And she was definitely caught off guard by the news that she is one of eight youth across the United States to receive the 2012 South African Summer Citrus Soccer Star Award.

The award was established by the South Africa Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum, a consortium of about 350 citrus growers who export citrus to the U.S. One boy and one girl were selected from each of the four U.S. Youth Soccer regions based on commitment, leadership and a spirit of service, both on and off the soccer field.

"It feels good winning it," she said. "I didn't know it was this big - that it was a big thing."

Bianka, 14, was visiting family in Korea when her dad emailed to tell her she had won. She actually had forgotten entering the online essay contest - entrants were asked to share personal experiences from their playing time - so it took a few minutes for his news to resonate.

It still hasn't completely set in for retired 1st. Sgt. Benjamin Parrish, who has coached Bianka since she was eight.

"I'm still kind of reeling from this," said Benjamin, who retired out of the 501st Military Intelligence Brigade in 2002. "It really kind of blew me away. It's a real thrill because it's based on her experiences in soccer, and it's just amazing that she was selected from all of the kids throughout the United States."

Bianka was born in Hawaii and lived in Korea before her family moved to Lakewood in 1994. She started playing soccer when a friend extended an invitation to join her team at the local elementary school. 

"I didn't think I would keep playing," she said with a laugh.

Now, Bianka, who played forward at Hudtloff Middle School, is preparing for a new experience: high-school sports. She plans to play at Lakes High School, where she will be a freshman this year. She will continue playing for the Lady Strykerz club team, too.

 "Soccer is hard work," she said. "You have to train really hard and make sure you're including everyone, and learn teamwork. It's not just all about me."

So is it worth it?

"It's fun," she said simply. "I get to be with friends and I get to learn more."

Such dedication impresses her father, who admitted he initially thought soccer would be "just a phase."

"But it's something that she has stuck with all of these years, and that, in turn, has brought me into it," Benjamin said. "As the girls have gotten older, I have taken it upon myself to learn more about the game and got certified as a D-license coach."

Bianka also volunteers at the Veterans Administration Hospital, assisting with Operation Cookie Drop to distribute Girl Scout Cookies to veterans, and was a two-year member of Hudtloff's school championship Spelling Bee team. She isn't sure of her career plans, but she enjoys math - and she definitely wants to play college soccer.

"I'm up for a challenge," she said.