Women’s soccer triumphs obstacles despite tough season

Of all the lessons learned in women’s soccer this season, the athletes recall motivation and tenacity the most. From the first practice in summer to the last game in October, the team persisted despite a tough season of 1 win, 9 losses and 2 ties. Out of 16 players, 12 are in their freshman year, looking forward to making a comeback next season. 

Augusto, a sophomore goalkeeper majoring in psychology, finished her last season for UCC and is transferring to Multnomah University in the fall. “I love everything about soccer,” she says . “I love the fact that we need to work together toward a goal, and it’s something where we can’t rely on just one person.”

Hard times, strong team

Despite dealing with adversities like family deaths, living continents away from home and building a young team, the athletes continually supported each other.

“I injured myself in high school, and then I came on to the team. They have encouraged me to not take it slow and pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Corrie Gohman, a freshman business major and defensive midfielder, says.  “We played with our hearts and even though we lost, I think we were all pretty proud of each other for how we played.” 

Next year, Gohman anticipates more wins. “I’m hoping that we can just work really cohesively as a team and score some goals and actually win a few games,” Gohman says.

Coach Anika Bloom noted the encouragement and grit her team radiates. “I think my group is really big on challenging themselves regardless if they get frustrated. I love finding activities that are going to challenge them and then see their growth from that,” Bloom says.

Sometimes people overlook how difficult maintaining a high GPA is for athletes. Bloom helps her team as their academic advisor as well as coach. The lowest GPA on her team was 3.25, and several members of her team had a 4.0. “I try and keep them within the same classes, so they can help each other out if needed and not feel super lost, but they also go in and sit in the library together or the student center,” Bloom says. Sometimes the students even do their homework together in Bloom’s office. “They are like, oh, I took that class in fall. Let me help you. They’re very good at it.”

“I love the community aspect it brings,” says Bloom. “Our last game, with all of our friends and family there, was a super intense and active game. The energy was so fun, and the girls really fed off of it. I think it’s a memory they will enjoy.”

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