Lucie Ashkettle, a sophomore on Shawnee State University’s women’s soccer team, recently shared her thoughts on the goals and challenges faced by the team this year. The Bears entered the season with the main goal of advancing to the national level by having a strong tournament run. They reached the quarterfinals of the River States Conference (RSC) before losing 4-2 to Indiana East on Nov. 6.
“We’ve taken it one step at a time,” Ashkettle said, bringing up how important it was for the team to make the recent conference tournament. She has put in a lot of work this year and has scored nine career goals at SSU. She was also one of four SSU players named to the all-RSC teams. Madison Culp, Izzy Riddle and Claire Favre also earned all-RSC honors.
Joe McCauley was hired as a new head coach this season, and he has been working to match his methods with the team’s style of play. Ashkettle complimented him for his ability to use their strengths and adjust to their weaknesses, creating a smooth transition of coaches. “It felt simple because he was able to take our talent and come up with a game plan specific to our strengths and weaknesses,” she said.
Although Ashkettle thinks that the loss of several seniors will be felt on and off the field, she is excited for next year’s season, where a younger team will play together with new potential.
Another sophomore on SSU’s soccer team, Annie Coriell, recognized the skills she gained on the field and how they will affect her even outside of sports.
“Soccer has helped me with my work ethic, leadership and resilience,” she said, focusing on qualities she has gathered throughout the years playing the sport. She thinks these qualities will help her in both her personal and professional life.
There are certain challenges in balancing academics and athletics, especially when it comes to time management.
“If you work hard to stay organized with a planner or calendar on your phone, it ends up being easier than you think,” Coriell shared. Due to her commitment of being a student-athlete she has done well in the classroom and on the field, where she has scored two goals and given three assists this season. Her discipline reflects Shawnee’s student-athletes’ dedication to strive for greatness in every aspect of their lives.
