Of all the sports I have covered in my collegiate career, I would have to say I have the least amount of expertise in soccer. Hence, when I was asked to cover the women’s team here, I had my doubts. With the season over, I can say that the experience was indeed rewarding for me because it gave me the chance to see a team practice and play together as the model for team chemistry.
I think if average people who go to soccer games at Pape Field had a chance to see them practice together or listen to their post-game remarks, they would be truly amazed. Take for instance three seniors whom I asked the same question to following their 2-0 season-ending loss to Stanford last Sunday: “What is one thing you could say right now to your fellow classmen in light of this past year?”
Senior midfielder Andrea Valadez’s eight-word response spoke volumes of the team’s camaraderie.
“I’m proud of you and I love you,” Valadez said.
It was the first time I’ve heard those three words in a post-game interview, and it was the quintessential follow-up to her comments made before the season-opening Oregon Classic. Valadez said the team molded well in the offseason and that they were like a family. Teammate and fellow senior Katie Abrahamson shared her sentiment.
“I absolutely loved every moment on the field and every moment off the field,” Abrahamson said. “To the team next year, I will either be cheering here in the stands or I will be checking goducks.com every Friday and Sunday.”
Unfortunately for the those reading this, a printed quote can only capture so much emotion.
Nicole Garbin has enjoyed playing alongside both Abrahamson and Valadez for the past four years and had parting words of her own for them Sunday.
“Thanks for everything,” Garbin said. “They sacrificed so much and were the ones who fought for us. They helped create the future for this program.”
As Oregon’s second team in school history to have a .500 record at season’s end, I have to congratulate this year’s squad and admit that it broke my heart to see them finish one win shy of being the first team in program history to put together a winning season. I have also to thank the players and coaches for waiting in the pouring rain after games and practice to answer my stammering questions. I wish you good luck next year.
In retrospect, I learned quite a few things about soccer this past fall. How to judge offsides, what results in an automatic red card, when the goalkeeper can pick up a ball and that goal spelled backwards is “loag,” isn’t it? But the most important thing I learned is how far being close with your teammates, staying positive, never giving up and playing with heart can take you. This lesson is the legacy for the 2005 Oregon women’s soccer team, a team that I know will reach the postseason next year.

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