By Andrew Hornback
The No. 13 University of Louisville field hockey team has opened the 2009 season, and looks to continue to push for a Big East title, after losing vice-captain Lauren Schaefer to graduation.
“It’s hard to believe one person could have such an impact, but clearly she has,” said head coach Pam Bustin. “She was really the one who kept the team on track when they were away from the coaches. She kept them focused and having fun. She was such a great mentor as well. But, there are several players who are becoming leaders now in their own right. And I think Lauren had a big influence on how they have become leaders.”
Junior Nicole Youman, r, is one of the players Bustin looks to for help in filling Schaefer’s void.
Youman, who grew up in Australia, isn’t in an unfamiliar position. In 2002, she was named captain of the New South Wales Under-16 team, and in 2004 was the leading scorer in the Australian national tournament while playing for the Under-18 team.
“I think the biggest thing was Lauren was the key leader that everyone looked to,” said Youman. “This year we just need more people to step up. And we’re adjusting to that.” Youman said that Karah Nall and Caitlin Collins are becoming leaders within the team.
Schaefer was on the field to open the season, as part of the opposition. The annual alumnae game, saw Schaefer facing her former teammates.
“It wasn’t as awkward as I thought it was going to be,” said Youman. “It was obviously very emotional for Lauren, coming back and seeing everyone. She came out to our Duke game as well, which was very nice. But it was definitely different having her on the other side.”
However, Youman realizes that with the departure of Schaefer, her role as a leader on the team has increased. And she has an obligation not only to perform to her first-team All Big East standards, but to help the younger players develop as well.
“I think the thing we’re trying to do this year is just take it one game at a time and continue to develop,” Youman said. “The freshmen have played well in our first couple of games, which is a great sign. And we just have to continue to learn and play as a group.”
The quest for an NCAA berth is already underway, as the Cards have played regional opponents Miami of Ohio, winning 4-0, and Indiana, losing 2-1, during their home openers.
“The regional games are very important to us and we have to play hard to win them,” said Youman. “I think we all understand the importance of winning those games, because they will help us get where we want, which is to have a chance to compete in the NCAA tournament.”
Youman helped the Cards further improve against regional opponents by recording five shots on goal against Missouri State en route to a 3-0 win, and collecting two assists and one goal in a 13-0 demolishing of St. Louis over the weekend. Youman has two goals, five assists and nine points for the season. She hassles defenses by constantly keeping the opponent’s goalkeeper working, with her team-leading fifteen shots on goal.
The Cards will begin Big East play Friday Sept. 18 at Trager Stadium at 4 p.m. They will be going up against No. 3 Syracuse, the defending Big East Tournament champions. Syracuse, who also made it to the NCAA Final Four last season, defeated the Cards 3-0 last year.
“Conference play is important as well,” said Bustin. “We always look to do well and our goal is to win the Big East. It is a tough conference and every opponent will give you their best performance. We have to play our best to win, but that’s what we strive for.”
