Meet Tonight’s America First Credit Union Changemaker: 8th Grader Holly Gunnels

America First Credit Union has named 14-year-old soccer prodigy Holly Gunnels as its latest Changemaker, recognizing her standout athletic achievements and leadership on the field as she prepares to transition to high school competition.

The eighth grader at Spanish Fork Junior High is being celebrated for her dual role as a standout track athlete and a creative midfielder for Utah Rush, the state’s top-ranked Premier One soccer team. With a 3.95 grade point average, Gunnels balances academic excellence with a soccer career that began at age four and has already earned her a spot on the varsity roster at Spanish Fork High School.

Her selection as a Changemaker underscores the credit union’s commitment to supporting young athletes in Utah, particularly those demonstrating both on-field skill and community impact. Gunnels has played under Coach Nate Burdsal for the past three years, first with Salem Shooters before joining Utah Rush, where her tactical versatility and surgical passing have made her a key player.

While the award highlights her individual accomplishments, it also reflects the broader ecosystem of youth soccer development in Utah, where programs like Utah Rush and partnerships with local institutions—including Spanish Fork Junior High and the training facilities at “the Barn”—play a critical role in nurturing talent. Gunnels has publicly acknowledged the contributions of her coach, her trainer Aiden Dayton, and the strength and conditioning team in her development.

The recognition comes as Utah’s soccer landscape continues to evolve, with youth programs increasingly serving as pipelines for high school and collegiate talent. Gunnels’ transition to Spanish Fork High School this fall will mark another step in her journey, with expectations high given her track record of success at the junior high level.

America First Credit Union’s Changemaker initiative, launched to spotlight young leaders across Utah, has previously honored students in academics, arts, and athletics. Gunnels’ inclusion in the program aligns with the credit union’s mission to foster financial literacy and community engagement among youth, though her selection this time is rooted in her athletic achievements.

No financial or sponsorship details were provided in the announcement, and the award does not appear to carry monetary compensation. Instead, the recognition is framed as an honor, with Gunnels set to be featured in upcoming promotional materials for the credit union.

For now, the focus remains on the field. With Utah Rush’s season underway and Gunnels preparing for her high school debut, her story serves as a testament to the growing emphasis on youth sports development in the state—and the role institutions like America First Credit Union play in celebrating those efforts.