University of Minnesota Athletics
The Underclassmen Takeover
10/8/2014 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Story by Lexi Diederich
During the 2014 women's soccer season, five sophomores and one freshman have dug their cleats into consistent starting positions.
Simone Kolander, Josee Stiever, Tarah Hobbs, Rashida Beal and Ashley Pafko are the sophomore starters making an impact this season. They are dotted throughout the field--from midfield to defense to goal. Kolander, a forward, is leading the team with five goals, six assists and 16 points. In the goal, Hobbs has played all but one game so far this season and has tallied 54 saves. Stiever (midfielder) and Pafko (defender) both have two goals to their names, in addition to multiple assists.
Among the nine incoming freshmen was Rachel McCloskey, who joined the team last spring. With three goals and minutes played in each game this season, the rookie midfielder also plays center back defense when the team needs her. McCloskey isn't taking all of the credit for her immediate impact on the team, though.
"It's amazing," McCloskey said of her current success. "It has a lot to do with the older girls pushing me to get better."
Included in the "older girls" this season is Stiever, who credits her one year of experience to a current season of progression.
"I'm more comfortable in my position and in my role on the team," Stiever said. "I know my team and understand the players a lot better."
Stiever has also seen firsthand how her class has grown closer with increased responsibility.
"We've been challenged with that and been able to help each other," Stiever said. "We all have really good chemistry on and off the field."
With new faces and new responsibility comes newfound confidence. Kolander uses this confidence to her advantage, by realizing that college play is just as much mental as it is physical.
"Everyone is good, so you just have to trust your skills and have that extra edge," Kolander said. "At the end of the day, it's all about your will to win, your fight and your confidence."
Kolander asserted that everyone on the team has "that extra grit to win." The team is close, with strong chemistry on and off the field. Kolander and Stiever are roommates, which explains how Kolander has been assisted by Stiever often.
"We hold each other to a high standard on the field and want to succeed for each other," Kolander said, referencing Stiever. "I can yell at her and she can do the same for me. There's no hard feelings."
Stiever feels the same way, and the selfless mentality of the sophomore class may be what keeps them competitive in the upcoming years.
"We're always there for each other and just want to help each other get better."
