The college soccer season wrapped up across the country and with it, two dozen Total Futbol alums have completed another season for their respective schools.  This was the most successful year for our former players in the college ranks, with players roles growing as they establish themselves at their schools.  Numerous accolades and notable achievements occurred, including multiple conference championships, a scoring record, and a Division 3 National Championship.

 

Leading the way with team championships for their respective schools were Niki Clark, Gen Grundy, and Ashley Cox.  Niki’s first year at Howard University saw the team move to the SWAC Conference and she was the team’s co-leading goal scorer with 11 and also led the team in assists with five.  Scoring five game winning goals throughout the season, including the winner in the conference tournament final, Niki was named Tournament MVP as the Bison won their conference in their first season in it.

 

Gen Grundy worked through a number of injuries to see the field in nine games for Rice University.  The Owls had their most successful season on record, going 14-4-3 and winning the Conference USA title for the first time to advance to the NCAA tournament.   Ashley Cox plays for Lynchburg College as their back-up goalkeeper, and she appeared in 13 games for the Hornets this year.  Conceding just one goal in those appearances, Ashley led the team in save percentage.  They just capped an incredible year, winning the Division 3 National Championship and finishing with an amazing 26-0-2 record.

 

Setting a high bar for individual honors, Cassie Smith again led Eastern Kentucky in scoring, tying the school’s single season record with seven goals.  That mark puts her second in career scoring after just her sophomore year at the school.  Danielle Fitzgerald saw action in 16 games as she helped the University of Kentucky to their first ever NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, where they were ousted by UVA in Charlottesville.  Kara DeGuisto led Elon University in games started and Meghan DiPippa saw playing time in every match for St. Joe’s with 17 starts.

 

Laila Gray and Hanna Hannesdottir each had strong freshman seasons in the ACC.  Laila notched two goals and three assists in her first year at Virginia Tech, notably starting on the road against UVA during the season.  Hanna appeared in every game for Pitt, starting 12, scoring twice, and setting up three others.   Gracie DeGooyer had a quality first year in the SEC, appearing in 20 matches and grabbing a goal and assist for the Lady Vols at Tennessee.

 

Rachel Ivey and Kaylee Hohein helped James Madison to the CAA Championship with Rachel finishing the season as the team’s second leading scorer.  Jamie Kator and Madison Smith continue to have large roles on the field at their schools, Vanderbilt and UMASS.  Each played in 19 games for their teams with 13 and 18 starts, respectively.

 

Katelyn Hurlock and Kasey Martino each had strong first-years at their schools.  Katelyn at Christopher Newport and Kasey at Randolph Macon, each saw action in 18 games for their teams with Kasey scoring three and assisting on another three.  Meghan O’Meara saw action in goal seven times for Methodist University while appearing in the field eight times.  Sammi Scarola, Haley Brazier, and Xander Matthews all completed solid freshman years at their schools, Randolph Macon, Gettysburg College, and Ferrum, respectively.

 

All in all it was a banner year for our former players in college.  The group accounted for over 200 wins while playing in more than 300 matches combined.  32 goals were scored along with 24 assists as multiple teams had their best seasons in school history.  With nearly 30 high school seniors committed to play in college next year, 2015 promises to be another standout year for our alums.