The transition to college is often difficult for first-year
athletes. Even the most highly regarded freshmen struggle to adapt
to living away from home for the first time, all the while, playing
against championship-caliber teams. Looking at the UCLA
women’s soccer team, however, there appears to have been no
such difficulty. This year’s recruiting class was one of the
most heralded in UCLA women’s soccer history, ranked by most
publications among the top two classes in the nation. The Bruins
have had high expectations for their first-year players, and with
the playoffs looming, these freshmen have more than lived up to the
preseason hype. “They’re doing great, it was a strong
recruiting class for us,” coach Jill Ellis said. “When
we recruited a lot of these players it was under the hope that they
would come in and impact the program. I think a lot of them have
risen to that challenge and contributed a lot.” Coming into
the year, the freshmen sported some flashy credentials. Four
players were ranked among the top 25 recruits, according to Student
Sports magazine, and there are several freshmen with varying
amounts of international experience. Three freshmen, forwards Kara
Lang and Christina DiMartino and defender Erin Hardy, have stepped
right into starting roles for the Bruins. They have helped propel
UCLA to a No. 4 national ranking and a 14-1-1 record (4-0-1 in
Pac-10). Twins Blake and McCall Zerboni as well as Caitlyn Mac
Kechnie have also seen significant playing time. But despite all
the accolades, the transition to college play hasn’t been as
easy as these confident athletes have made it seem on the field.
“(The transition) has been harder than I thought it would
be,” Lang said. “It’s a very different style of
play that I’m used to. … It’s definitely a big
adjustment, but I’m really starting to enjoy it here a
lot.” Fellow forward DiMartino echoed Lang’s
sentiments. “It’s been difficult, you just have to get
used to the (collegiate level),” DiMartino said. “So
far the team and the coaches have made it a friendly environment
and easier to adjust.” Many of the veteran players have been
helping the freshmen adjust to NCAA soccer. Seniors Jill Oakes and
Iris Mora were singled out by Ellis as being role models for the
younger players to look up to. “(The veterans) have helped
(the freshmen) and embraced them,” Ellis said. “The
older players recognize that to be successful we need everybody
playing well and contributing. There’s a lot of talent in
that freshman class, and the older players recognize that.”
The freshmen have appreciated the mentoring and leadership that the
older players on the team have provided. “They’ve just
been very motivated helping us out on the field and in the
classroom,” DiMartino said of the veteran players.
“They’re very approachable, and if we need help with
anything they’re there for us.” Overall, the freshman
class has adapted quickly to college play and has had a huge impact
on a title-contending team. Their talent bodes well for the future
of the team. “Having them as a class, they bring energy and
they also contribute on the field,” Ellis said.
“It’s a great class.”
EXTRA NOTES: Forward Kara Lang was ranked as
the No. 1 recruit in the nation having become the youngest player
ever to play for the Canadian national team at 15 years old. Fellow
forward Christina DiMartino was named the 2004 NSCAA/adidas
National High School Player of the Year. Lang, DiMartino, Mac
Kechnie, McCall Zerboni and goalkeeper Kelsey Davis were named
top-100 recruits by Student Sports Magazine.