Captain's Corner

This week I've asked Jen Soo Hoo, our junior captain from Berkeley Heights, New Jersey to write our blog. Jen is one of the most remarkable student-athletes I have had the opportunity to coach. She loves soccer and is the member of our team I see most often in the athletic building for workouts. She's one of the most talented players in the UAA (Honorable Mention UAA in 2007), but she's also one of the most intelligent and driven student-athletes in the country. She was accepted into Case's PPSP program upon her undergraduate admission. This program is highly selective and competitive (Madeline VanGunten and Ana Arruda are also in the program in their respective majors). Admission to the medicine PPSP program requires Jen to keep a 3.6 gpa in her math and science courses (she has maintained a 3.831 cum gpa) and grants her entry to Case Medical School following her graduation. While that is impressive in itself, Jen has also put herself in position to graduate in 3 years from Case this spring and has gained acceptance to Case Med School starting this summer. Next fall, she will attempt to play her senior year of soccer while balancing her first year of med school.
Jen's blog...
As a junior on the team, I should be used to the usual routine of the off season workouts. However, I'm surprised to find myself just as excited and nervous in preparing for next season as I was my freshman year. Maybe it's the fact that next year will be my last season (something I do not want to admit), but, regardless, I'm extremely pumped to see what next year brings. This team has definitely changed for the better since my first year. I'm happy to see that there is a strong team commitment toward keeping up a routine of working out despite being in the off season with an increasing amount of academic commitments. I'm especially proud of the dedication of the freshmen class. It's been really cool being able to walk into Veale and know that I will see at least a couple of my teammates there.

Balancing academics with soccer has always been a huge part of soccer season. Although I'm excited for next year's fall season, I'm also extremely nervous about how I'm going to balance my new academic load. As I've been accepted into Case medical school a year early, I will have to try and handle all the medical school commitments while trying to make time to play my final season. Although it may be impossible to do, it is definitely something I will try. Besides the fact that soccer has always been a huge part of my life and I'm not ready to give it up yet, I am also not ready to give up playing with this team. This team is by far the nicest team I have been on.
It is the first time I can honestly say that I like everyone on the team, and I've formed some really strong and interesting (Maddy) friendships. The girls I have met and the bonds I have formed have made my time at Case much more enjoyable and fun. These girls mean so much to me, and I really want one last season to enjoy with them before I officially commit myself to treating soccer injuries instead of being the one that constantly needs treatment! I have a really good feeling about next year, and I am really looking forward to being a part of it as much as I can!!!


Pictures
Top - Jen playing in our final 2008 home game versus Washington University
Middle - (L to R) Jen Soo Hoo, Bridget Mason, Caroline Garber, Caitlin Miller, Kaitlyn Yule, Ana Arruda in St. Louis prior to our game versus Wash U (2007)
Bottom - (L to R) Jen Soo Hoo, Kaitlyn Yule, Liz Altenau, Caitlin Miller - Teammates and roommates in the Village at 115th

Ballin' Outta Control

contributed by Anna Kennedy '12 (Evanston, IL) and Anna Selser '12 (Bettendorf, IA)

Box out! Post up! Zone! Rebound! Layup!

"What?" "What's that?" "Where am I supposed to be right now?"

That is the Case Women's Soccer team's response to most basketball terms shouted from the few players that actually know what they're doing on the court. During this offseason the team

divided to make two intramural basketball teams. Along with bonding and conditioning, the team also had the chance to realize how uncoordinated their teammates are, specifically at basketball.

Any educated person would think that a collegiate soccer team would be pretty well-rounded in the sporting world. Sure enough, the Case Women's soccer team has surprised the public once again, not by making improving strides on the soccer field, but by giving a new meaning to the word terrible.

Now do not get the wrong impression by this blog, we do try. We play the full 40 minutes all out, just not well. Now, here is a recap of the games played by the team so far:

After a very physical game, including Katelyn Etscheidt almost killing a girl, team one suffered a heartbreaking first loss 11-27 to their rivals, the volleyball team. The second game against Phi Mu was much closer but the girls still fell short losing 22-27. The third game was cancelled due to weather, but had the game been played, Team One surely would have had their first win.

That was Selser (Anna) reporting for her team, and now she has handed the computer off to me, Kennedy (the "other Anna") to report on Team 2. The volleyball matchup was again a very physical game for our squad, but we fought through it. Yet, the much taller volleyball team came up AGAIN with a 36-30 win over us. Our following game was cancelled also due to Cleveland weather, but that just helped us prepare for our next game; the duel of the soccer teams.

The much anticipated game occurred Monday, February 9. Those in attendance witnessed an epic game. Highlights included Vaci and Selser unintentionally completing their "mongoose" play, Maddy being the MVP, flagrant fouls left and right, and Kennedy dunking on everyone (just kidding). Team two had a significant lead until Cici Fusco organized Team one into a zone defense. Team one picked up their level of play but not enough to win the game and end up losing 18-27.

Both teams have advanced to the intramural playoffs and have been practicing intensely. Surely their hard work will pay off and the teams will be ready to compete at the next level.