Centre College Athletics: Women's Soccer

This week we prepared for our final match of the season. After defeating Austin College (TX), we moved up in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) rankings to No. 6 in the Great Lakes region. What that meant to us was that the ever-illusive NCAA At-large Bid was once again back on the radar. During the week, as we prepared for our match with DePauw (IN), the players began to realize that we had a lot to play for. A win against DePauw would mean a 3 rd place finish in the conference and possibly a NCAA At-large Bid – I reiterate the word possibly. More importantly, it would mark the first time in the program's history that we defeated DePauw. Consequently, a loss would result in a 4 th place conference finish, virtually no possibility of receiving an At-large Bid, and would be the 9 th year in a row we have fallen to DePauw.

Though we did not want the players to worry about all of those factors, we suspect, they were thinking about them everyday of the week leading up to the match. We felt like the game could not get here fast enough. With the tournament in the forefront of their minds, they wanted to defeat DePauw and from there, roll the dice. Just weeks earlier, having tied No. 19 Trinity University (TX) [Oct 16 NSCAA polls] we knew the players had the confidence to compete and to win. By the time kick-off rolled around Saturday evening, they were ready – perhaps a bit too ready.

The first half of play left much to be desired. We simply could not find our rhythm. Almost everything we wanted to go our way, did just the opposite. At the half, we were fortunate to be tied at zero-a-side. After our half-time talk, we noticed a new arrival at the game. A large group of Centre students had chartered a bus to Indiana to support us and the Men's team in our final matches. It was a pleasant surprise that gave the players even more motivation in a game that already meant so much to them. With the start of the second half, it certainly appeared the gesture would pay off. We were possessing the ball much better and as result created a few quality goal-scoring opportunities. Unfortunately, a few were inches wide and another was collected by the goalkeeper. As the game entered the 73 rd minute, DePauw was able to find the back of the net, giving them the 1-0 lead. However, we did not stop fighting for the equalizer. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, our time had run out. It was all over, our season had ended. In the moments following the game, we sat with heavy hearts. And as tears streamed down the faces of our players, the captains delivered a few motivational words. Ladies , this is a learning experience , they said. These types of games will make us stronger for next season and we're fortunate that we get everyone back next year…we were so close! In a moment such as that, it is difficult for even the coaching to find the right words (if there are such things). Yet, to see our young captains, who were on the field alongside their peers giving the effort, collect themselves and deliver such eloquent words, was truly inspirational. It was yet again another sign of the growth and maturity these players have achieved over the course of this season.

Though none of us wanted the season to end that night, the captains were right – the silver lining is that everyone will be back next season. In just 10 short weeks, we had become a family – growing closer and closer each day. Undeniably, we experienced ups and downs, but we did it in the only way a program should, together. Now, as we look ahead to the banquet, we know we have one last moment with one another to reflect back on the many accomplishments of this team this season. Though we may not have reached our goal of becoming the first team to make the NCAA tournament, we know it was the experiences along the way that has made us the team we are today. Now, we know what it feels like to play for so much.

Before we sign off, we certainly want to thank the Centre Soccer Fan Bus for coming to support us Saturday night. Your enthusiasm, spirit, and encouragement were certainly appreciated by everyone. To our parents, we also want to thank you for the unbelievable tailgate you provided! On a final note: as Jay always says, we are certainly a fortunate coaching staff to be a part of this program. Accordingly, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our players and parents for making these past couple of years so special. Please know that we truly appreciate each and everyone of you.

Note: The final article of the year will post after the banquet which is scheduled for Sunday, November 25th.