Bridget DonnellyFreshman starting soccer goalie Melissa Williams vigorously trained this summer to become a Lady Cavalier. Williams is well adjusted, and did not have any trouble feeling welcomed by the team. Her new teammates are glad to have her join the roster. Senior captain Kelly Romano said, “she is one of the biggest assets to our team.”
At the young age of six Williams was first exposed to soccer. Playing for such a long time has given her an opportunity to experiment with several positions on the field. She started off as a forward, and then worked her way back as a defender playing outside fullback.
Williams attended Haddon Township High School in New Jersey. There she was coached with a great deal of discipline. Even though her high school coach worked her hard, Williams is thankful for the potential that her coach saw in her.
Williams said, “he expected our absolute best on and off the soccer field.”
During her sophomore year, her coach asked her to abandon her fullback poison and fill the position of goalie, because the team’s goalie had recently graduated. Of course, Williams graciously accepted this challenge.
Williams’ preparation for college soccer required dedication, and encouragement from those who pushed her to do her best. She trained with her older brother, who was also a soccer goalie in high school, as well as other college-bound soccer friends. The pre-season practices at Cabrini were more frequent than at her high school. Instead of practicing two times a day, they were three times a day at Cabrini.
Juggling academics and athletics can be frustrating, but Williams manages her time well. She had mixed expectations for college school work, but she has been able to enjoy the best of both worlds.
The team mingles on and off the field. Some unique bonding experiences include playing golf and a pasta party. Williams is looking forward to continuing to play soccer for Cabrini for the next four years, and has high hopes for this season.
Posted to the Web by: Toccara Buckley
