Such a simple phrase, “You just got to have fun.” But, honestly, I found this to be one of the hardest things for me to remember throughout some games and practices over my four years on the women’s soccer team at the University of Lynchburg. Sometimes, at practices and games, I would find myself so stressed and anxious to make that one save as a goalkeeper that I forgot to “just play.” The coaching staff told me multiple times to “just play” throughout my years, yet I would always think, All I ever do is play. What do they mean?
Photo taken of fourth-year goalkeeper and co-captain Caitlin Dorsch by fourth-year photographer of Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network on Sat., Nov. 2.
Caitlin Dorsch ~ Co-Editor in Chief
Throughout my sports career, both at the club level and collegiate level, I am often asked, “Why did you decide to become a goalkeeper?” Typically, their statement is followed by a quick remark like, “You must be crazy. That position is too stressful for me. You are like the last person to stop a goal from going in!”
In response, I say, “Yes, you are right. It is a very stressful position, but that is why I love it!” To be honest with you, I have a love/hate relationship with my position. It is a ton of pressure knowing that you are the last person between the opponent team scoring and the sacred goal. It is hard knowing that one mistake by you could inevitably lead to a loss for your team. For me, having the trust and love for my teammates and coaches on the women’s soccer team at the University of Lynchburg was the most important aspect for me to want to do well. Without feeling supported and wholeheartedly trusted by my teammates and coaches, I would not have had the confidence during my final year of eligibility to believe in myself as a goalkeeper.
On November 6, 2019, my collegiate soccer career at the University of Lynchburg came to a close, losing in the quarterfinals of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) tournament by a score of 1 to 4.
To be completely honest, it was so weird for me the first few days that we were back from winter break. I did not know when I was going to see my soccer family again. I was worried about how much I would be able to see them since I know how busy the off-season spring schedule is for all fall student-athletes.
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