By Trevor Joelson
Something happens to Kelsey Hunyadi on the soccer field.
“When I step on the field it is like a switch is flipped,” said Hunyadi a freshman defender for the University of Louisville women’s soccer team.
Hunyadi’s intensity on the pitch is contagious said junior forward Shannon Smyth.
“You always want her on your team,” said Smyth. “She will do anything to win.”
Although, Hunyadi admits she has a weakness.
“I can’t lose, it’s something I just don’t do,” she said after U of L scored two late goals to tie the University of Kentucky in a spring exhibition game.
Hunyadi gave the Cardinal soccer program a glimpse of the future in her very first game when she scored what ended up being the game winner against the University of Loyola. She went on to be second on the team with 5 goals, 13 points and 34 shots, while starting 16 games in her first year.
The freshman from right outside Columbus, Ohio is no stranger to success on the soccer field. She has been playing soccer since she was seven years old and racked up a state championship, all-state honor and Central Ohio Girl’s Soccer Player of the Year Award along the way.
Hunyadi is in the process of making a shift from a prolific goal scorer to a shut down defender. She said she has some experience playing defense in high school, but has spent most of her life as a forward. Still, she is excited about the move.
“It is what is best for the team,” said Hunyadi about her move to right outside back, a position left open following the graduation of Erica Robinson who started all 21 games for the Cardinals. “I’m contributing more back there than I would up top.”
The most transferable skill for Hunyadi is her voice. She is constantly talking on the field and uses her communication skills to help lead the team.
“Kelsey is a very versatile player with a great knowledge of the game, so the transition to defense has been easy for her,” said junior defender and captain Jessica Mello. “I really enjoy playing along side someone who works so hard.”
Last year Hunyadi and the Cardinal’s hard work paid off. The team made their second consecutive NCAA tournament appearance.
Five different freshmen started for the Cards during the 2007 season. Hunyadi said her freshmen class will help to take U of L to the top of the Big East.
“Our whole class coming in is the next generation,” said Hunyadi a political science major who hopes to attend law school. “It will be a new face for women’s soccer here at Louisville.”
Still a first round loss in overtime to the University of Illinois left her wanting more.
“You felt like you accomplished something, but you know there is always somewhere more to go.”
