Amid the downsizing of many campus sports, junior Paige Powell’s commitment to soccer motivated her to protect the girls’ team from extinction, recruiting everyone she could in order to have enough players.
Powell’s love for the sport has continued since she began playing in elementary school.
?This sport just really stood out more than other sports,? Powell said. ?I love everything about it, I just love the feeling I get when I’m on the field, plus it keeps me in shape.?
Although soccer consumes homework time, Powell is still able to balance her grades and activites.
?The only sport I play is soccer,? Powell said, ?I hope to get a soccer scholarship. But it does take up a lot of time; I just have to focus on my grades.?
Playing the forward position, Powell finds the experience in playing on the soccer team thrilling.
?I love the feeling of knocking people down and not getting in trouble,? Powell said. ?I’m very competitive, so I hate losing a game.?
While Powell’s competitive spirit motivates her through difficult games, she loves the experience she has when playing her position.
?Playing this position gives me an opportunity to make goals,? Powell said. ?It does put a lot of pressure on me, though, to make goals for the team.?
Teammate Janae Ford, ’09, respects Powell’s commitment to the team, as she refused to relent, begging her to join soccer in order to have enough players for a full team.
“She encouraged me to join because she’s really passionate about soccer and she figured I could be on the team,” Ford said. “She really cares about the team and she put in a huge effort to make sure there was one.”
Ist yearhead coach Jennifer Tatum, believes Powell’s leadership ability, combined with her own talent make her a unique asset to the team.
“She [Powell] really has a drive to impress me and help the team,” Tatum said. “She’s always helping during practice and tries to be the first to get the ball during games. She really has a desire to be better and is interested on her own improvement.”
Despite her love of the mechanics of the game, Powell finds the most inspiration from the way the team works together for a common goal.
?I also love seeing new people improve on the team,” Powell said. ?I just love the feeling of knowing that we are working hard.”
For more information on girls’ soccer, read the sport shorts.
Stephan Melendez • Aug 18, 2010 at 6:57 am
Wow, I was there when they took that picture. It was a hilarious. I played with these guys; they are awsome!
Stephen Grimes • Aug 18, 2010 at 6:57 am
This picture is so funny. I wish I didn’t injure my knee at the start of the season or I would be in the picture with these guys.
Bree Ainley • Aug 18, 2010 at 6:57 am
Best sports picture ever! So amazing. I love you guys.
Jenn Boudreau • Aug 18, 2010 at 6:57 am
Oh my gosh, this is the most epic sports photo I’ve ever seen! This pretty much summarizes how awesome it was to watch the JV team this year.