By Sara Belsole
Ranked third in the nation, the Tampa soccer team takes their responsibilities and reputations very seriously.
As an incoming freshman this season, I was scared out of my mind. I was going to play for one of the most prestigious Division II soccer teams. College soccer is an entirely different world. This isn’t high school anymore. Coaches are tougher, the opponents are stronger, and the competition for playing time is greater.
On Aug. 5, 2007, the preseason began. I was immediately thrown into fast-paced practices, competing with strong, athletic and experienced players. Looking around at the 28 girls next to me—my teammates—I realized there were many potential role models. Our team is comprised of talented players from all around the country and all of us are given the opportunity to learn from each other everyday.
This past weekend, as we took the Harding University Lady Bison, one of my teammates laid her footsteps for us “rookies” to follow in. Scoring four goals in our 6-0 demolition of the Lady Bison, Shelby Kuni tied the Tampa record for most goals scored in a single game.
The record was set by Tai Kirklin in 1999 and tied by Samantha Robinson in 2005. Now, Kuni’s name will be added to this distinguished list.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without my teammates and coaching staff,” said Kuni. “Everyday in practice they push me to become a better player. We push each other. I owe everything to my teammates. They do all the hard work: they win balls and dribble them down the sideline, beating multiple defenders then making perfect passes to my feet or head. All I have to do is tap it in. I like to think I thank them by scoring.”
Playing alongside Kuni provides me with new knowledge for the game. We both have different playing styles, therefore watching her play helps to add a new dimension to my own game. Her impressive statistics drive me to improve at each practice. As she continues to break school records, she motivates the rest of the team to strive to reach their individual goals.
As the season pushes on, I believe Kuni will continue to be a leading offensive force. I am very excited to have the opportunity to play with such a gifted athlete, and I know that I can use all the skills she has taught me to become a better goal scorer and maybe one day break some of her records.
