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