Gooaall! Thats what every soccer player wants to hear. Fortunately, the womens soccer team was able to hear its fair share of victory announcements this season.

The women of OU were responsible for bringing soccer glory to the school because there wasnt a mens team. The women took this responsibility with great pride and determination.

Even with some setbacks, like when freshman Daphne Fitzpatrick quit the team in the middle of the season, the girls knew they had to move on and not let it affect their morale.

One thing to keep their spirits up was the completion of the new soccer complex. The seniors on the team were able to see the process begin and end, which was a nice way for them to close out the season.

The women ended the season with an 8-10-1 overall record, and although this years record was not as good as some of the previous seasons, the team was happy with its performance.

Here is an inside look with the four seniors who contributed their skills to Sooner soccer.

Kady Kelly

Growing up in Austin, Texas, Kady Kelly always assumed she would go to the University of Texas. Kady began playing soccer in the second grade. The sport was such an important part of her childhood that she decided to continue in college. She never imagined she would be playing the sport wearing crimson and cream, though.

[Soccer] is pretty much the only reason I came here, says Kady, advertising senior.

With practices every day, Kady found it hard not to be very involved with OU athletics.

Its definitely a different experience, but its cool to play a college sport, Kady says.

Kady played both the midfielder and defender positions during her four-year career. Besides having skills on the field, Kady also excelled in the classroom. In 2004, she made the Academic All Big XII First Team.

Kady is our most dynamic player off the dribble. We will be counting on her to break down defenses and create goals for herself and others, says Coach Randy Evans.

As for the overall season, Kady believed the team had much more potential.

Were a lot better than our record shows, Kady says.

Closing the chapter of her last season at OU left Kelly with mixed emotions.

I was happy to be moving on with my life, but sad because it was over.

Christie Smeal

Christie Smeal began her college soccer career at John Brown University. Her junior year she decided to transfer to OU to be closer to her family in Norman. Although she was only with OU for two years, Christie, a forward, proved to be an important asset to the team.

Christie is one of our most skilled players with a great nose for the goal, says Coach Randy Evans.

Christie said she was able to meet a lot of friends by playing on the team. One of her favorite memories was scoring her two goals this year to help lead the team to victory. The teams season ended with a win to Missouri State.

Weve had our ups and downs, but overall we worked really hard to get to where we are, says Christie, sociology senior.

Although her college career was coming to a close, Christie plans to pursue soccer even after graduation.

If it falls my way, its definitely something I want to take advantage of, Christie says.

Andrea Hurley

After playing soccer at OU for four years, it was hard for team captain Andrea Hurley to pick just one favorite memory.

I am really going to miss all the girls on the team, says Andrea, marketing senior.

With the season over it was time for Andrea to move on to a new phase in her life.

I was sad [after the last game], Andrea says. Its weird to think were never going to play [at John Crain Field] again.

Andrea, a midfielder and defender, has excelled during her career at OU. She made Academic All Big XII in both 2004 and 2005 on the first team. She also made the All District second team in 2005.

Being captain, her leadership was a key role in the success of the team. Because soccer consumed much of Andreas time at school, she plans to attend graduate school following graduation.

I think Ive done a good job of balancing my social life with school work, Andrea says. But I dont think Ive fully experienced a normal college life.

Savannah Scott

Growing up in Norman, OU was the natural choice when Savannah Scott decided where to go to college.

I like being near my family, says Savannah, sociology senior.

Savannah was a key asset to the team and her teammates and coach noticed her dedication.

[Savannah] scores and creates goals. Shes a great passer and very dangerous off the dribble, says Coach Randy Evans.

Half-way through the season, freshman Daphne Fitzpatrick, a key asset to the team, left. Despite this setback, the team and Savannah were able to stay positive.

It was shocking, but we had to take care of business, Savannah says.

Even though she missed the bus rides and staying in the hotels on the road, Savannah knew that soccer had greatly impacted her college experience.

[Playing soccer] taught me a lot, Savannah says. It taught me about teamwork, time management and other life skills.

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