The girls soccer team has introduced a new goalie to the team, junior Hadley Hansen. Hansen has been a part of the varsity softball team since freshman year and has now decided to join the varsity soccer team. The team was in need of a goalie as their previous goalie, Maia Jaroch, graduated after last season after being one of the top goalies in the state. Hansen shared how her teammates welcomed her on the team.
“Everyone has been super kind in welcoming me onto the team. It is a super friendly and energetic environment with all of the girls. We are constantly going to dinner as a team, or supporting other Westside programs whether it is attending talent shows or other soccer games,” Hansen said. “I am grateful to be a part of such an extremely caring, supportive environment. Everyone is also super understanding when it comes to me learning the game. I can ask questions without the fear of being judged or receiving rude criticisms. I have made a lot of friends this season and I hope that those bonds continue to grow.”
Being in need of a goalie gave head coach Nathan May a task to observe who would be a good match for the team. A goalie has the responsibility and pressure of being the last line of defense in a match. May explained what stood out about Hansen when she first joined the team.
“What stood out when Hadley joined was her focus and willingness to learn,” May said. “I imagine it was completely overwhelming to her, having never played the sport or had any sort of soccer background. She wasn’t embarrassed by where she was, she just focused on getting better and being a good teammate.”
Having not had any previous background in a sport, especially soccer, it can be challenging to many to find success. Hansen explained what made her want to be a part of the soccer team as a goalie and what has been the most challenging part.
“Becoming a goalie was a super spontaneous decision, but I had heard that the team may need one this year and I figured why not try out,” Hansen said. “The most challenging part of becoming a goalie for me has been having to learn the sport and acquiring the soccer IQ that any good goalie needs to have in order to lead the team and anticipate plays.”
The soccer team has had many matches in the season, having a record of 4-3, with winning their last three matches. The season started to a rocky start, losing their first two matches, but the team has since picked up the pace. The goalie joined with Hansen in those matches is junior Sarah Rosloniec, who has been with the soccer team since freshman year. Hansen is the newcomer out of the two and coach May expressed what impacts Hansen has had on the team and if there were any times she has had a standout performance so far in the season.
“She hasn’t had many chances to impact the game yet,” May said. “She has been a great addition in training and has improved so much since she first was introduced to the sport and that is down to her commitment and honesty with how she carries herself day to day. Hopefully when she has her moment she will have those standout performances.”
Soccer is not Hansen’s first sport, as she has been on the softball team since freshman year. Having a background in a different sport can carry benefits and be helpful when it comes to being an athlete. Hansen shared if there was anything she took from softball to soccer and vice versa.
“Going from softball to soccer has been a fairly natural transition,” Hansen said. “Hand eye coordination is definitely crucial in both sports and that has come in handy. The mental break from softball, and the mental challenge of learning a new sport has been very beneficial. Managing playing both has been a little bit of a challenge but I believe that I am becoming a better athlete, and person because of it.”
Managing two sports and being a student all at once is not for everyone. There comes sacrifice and dedication in order to be able to be a successful multi-sport student athlete. Coach May described Hansen’s work ethic and attitude.
“Her work ethic and attitude is top,” May said. “I am sure in her softball environment she is a fantastic leader because even in this unfamiliar environment to her she does a great job focusing and being a great teammate.”
Athletes all have different routines and habits before their games, many being very specific. Hansen shared some of her pre-game rituals and routines.
“I like to eat a piece of fruit before I play,” Hansen said. “I also have a country playlist that I stick to before games. Country music is calming for me. As far as rituals go, I am not superstitious so I may mix up my routine depending on the day.”
