University of Minnesota Athletics
Senior Reflections
9/19/2014 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Becca Roberts, Senior, Defender, Lino Lakes, Minn.
These past three years have flown by. As a freshman, I remember thinking that senior night was not really in my near future and I had plenty of time to enjoy being a Gopher. Well... I was wrong! Three years later and I'm here in my final season with so many positives I can take away from being a part of the Gopher soccer family. I have learned so many invaluable lessons being a student athlete that I will take with me for the rest of my life.
In my past three years I'd have to say my favorite soccer memory as a Gopher was beating Wisconsin in overtime my junior year. It's always a battle when we play them so beating them in such a hard fought match was awesome. I'm going to miss the excitement of competing in such a great environment. The Robbie is always packed with really supportive fans so I'm definitely going to miss playing here after my senior season is over. There is still plenty of time left in the season to make even better memories and keep packing the Robbie!
I'd like to thank my mom and dad for supporting me through my journey as a student-athlete.
Olivia Schultz, Senior, Forward, Minneapolis, Minn.
Being a transfer, I was immediately welcomed to the U, and I've been happy here ever since. The coaches, staff, and team all have great relationships, and I love playing and being with my teammates. Academically, I have worked harder than I ever have in school, but it has all been worth the effort as I have learned so much in my year and a half so far. Overall, I have been very challenged at the U to become a better person in all aspects of life.
My favorite Gopher Soccer memory is definitely the trip to Barcelona, Spain last spring. I have never been to Europe before so being able to travel across seas to explore a new country and to be able to play soccer in this country was amazing! It was one of the best experiences in my life I have had so far. In particular, I really loved watching FC Barcelona play at Camp Nou and visiting the Montserrat monastery.
What I'll miss most about playing at the Robbie is the great environment that came along with each game. The fans were extremely supportive, and I enjoyed hearing them sing, cheer, and stomp along at every game. Along with this, the facilities at the Robbie were amazing, and I truly believe that the field is one of the best in the nation.
I would first like to thank the staff at the U for allowing me this opportunity to transfer and play soccer here for the past two seasons. Without their help, I wouldn't have been able to make the move to such a great university. Also, I'd like to thank my Mom, Dad, and sister, Vivien, for getting me to this point in my life. Thank you for never giving up on me and always pushing me to be better than I was yesterday. You have all inspired me to never settle but also make sure to count my blessings. Rik and Linda - thank you for your support half-way across the country, no matter what school I was at. I appreciate your love and encouragement for all my games. Lastly, I'd like to thank The Lord for blessing me with people who care and support me so much as well as for the ability to play soccer; I wouldn't be here without Him.
Katie Thyken, Senior, Midfielder, Eden Prairie, Minn.
My experience on the University of Minnesota soccer team has been life changing. I have made so many life long friends and so many great experiences that I will never forget. I have gotten to see places all over the United States and even got to play in Spain. Playing the sport that I love while getting a first class education, What could be better than that?
I think my favorite soccer memory from the past years has been the Penn State game last year. The Gophers had not defeated Penn State since 2007. When Haley got that goal in the first half, the crowd went crazy and so did our team. We dominated the play in the first half, but the second half was very different. Knowing that they needed a goal the Penn State team threw everything at us. Hobbs had to make some amazing saves and everyone was defending like their lives depended on it. When that final whistle blew the team stormed the field. You know in was a great victory when dancing happens after the game in the locker room.
I think what I will miss most about playing at the Robbie is the incredible atmosphere. We get so many fans who all love soccer and are cheering for the gophers. It is absolutely incredible and it really gives us a home field advantage. I remember sitting in those stands watching the gophers and thinking that it would be so cool to play here. My dream came true, and it really was worth all the hard work. This team has become my family over the past 3 years and I will miss it so much after I am gone.
I really want to thank all my coaches for giving me the opportunity to play here and helping me grow as a player and a person. I want to thank my family for always being bat every game and supporting me through the ups and downs of this wonderful experience. I want to thank all the supporting staff who kept me healthy, kept me eligible, helped me in school, and were just great friends. And last I want to thank all the gopher fans for making these 4 years of soccer some of the best of my life. Thank you all.
Taylor Wodnick, Senior, Midfielder, Wayzata, Minn.
My favorite experience at the University of Minnesota has easily been with the soccer team. We have gone through so much together through my years here. Playing soccer has not only made me a better soccer player but a better person. There are definitely some pretty entertaining moments on the flights playing phase 10 or skip-o (considering how competitive we are). Ultimately I have gained lasting friendships since I have come to Minnesota and can not wait to continue those into the future.
My favorite soccer memory was playing Wisconsin my sophomore year. Going down 2-0 and coming back and scoring the winning goal in regulation to make it 2-3 in our favor. That was such an incredible experience, one that I will not get anywhere else. I couldn't have asked for a better group to have gone through it with.
I will miss Friday games under the lights at the Robbie. Our fans make the environment so fun for us to play in and under the lights, there is nothing better. Playing here has been a once in a life time experience. I am looking forward to bring what I have learned here into the "real world".
I would like to thank my parent for always being there for me and doing whatever they could for my career both on and off the field. I would like to thank the coaches for taking all of their time to help me become the person I am today. I couldn't have done what I have without them. As for the rest of my friends and family, they have always been there for me and I greatly appreciate it. I am glad they can be here to celebrate with me today. Thank you for everything you guys have done for me!
