Lehigh women’s soccer seniors reflect on car
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The seven Lehigh women's soccer seniors have all taken very different routes to where they are today. From many parts of the country, these seven play various positions, but together, have helped the Mountain Hawks create a culture of success. As freshmen in 2012, these individuals played a key role in Lehigh's late-season run to the Patriot League Tournament. Within the group, there is a first team All-Patriot League honoree, and several weekly award winners. All seven own a cumulative GPA well over 3.0 in the classroom, with a 3.36 average amongst the group. These Mountain Hawks helped set the program's foundation and have embodied the program's vision, a legacy that will last for years to come.
With Senior Night set for this Saturday vs. Bucknell, Lehighsports.com got caught up with the senior class to reflect on their careers.
Lehigh head coach Eric Lambinus on the class of 2016: "It's been a great honor to work with our seniors and see them develop over the past few years. Each one of them have such great and unique leadership qualities and they work together to positively impact our program in many ways. They have helped bridge the gap between the groups whom have gone before them and are leaving a legacy for our underclassmen to emulate. In addition, all of our seniors truly embody the meaning of being a student-athlete at Lehigh. I am confident they are all going to be great representatives of Lehigh women's soccer in their respective careers."
#00 Ani Nahapetian - Goalkeeper - Pleasanton, Calif. - Bioengineering
Nahapetian has enjoyed a stellar career in goal for the Mountain Hawks. She split time with Ashley Blanks over her first three seasons and impressed from the get-go. Nahapetian tallied a strong .746 save percentage in 12 games as a freshman. Included was a 3-1 stretch over the final four regular season games, stopping 22-of-25 shots for an .880 save percentage. She didn't allow a goal for the final 285:01 of the regular season, propelling Lehigh to the Patriot League Tournament. Nahapetian continued her success as a sophomore and junior, finishing last year with eye-popping numbers, a 0.69 GAA and .860 save percentage in 780 minutes of action. This year, the Pleasanton California native has started every game in goal and owns impressive numbers, a 1.14 GAA and .836 save percentage. She's been named Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week twice as a senior, the third and fourth time she's won the award in her career. In the classroom, Nahapetian owns a 3.55 cumulative GPA as a Bioengineering major. The team captain has been named to the Dean's List on multiple occasions and has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll every year as well.
What's your favorite Lehigh women's soccer memory up until this point?
AN: My favorite soccer memory at Lehigh is the trip we took to California my sophomore year. It was one of the only times my close family and friends were able to come watch me play, and the only games my grandparents were physically able to go to. The best part of the trip was the team dinner we had the night before our second game. The whole team and their family members got together at my house. We spent hours playing games and enjoying the evening.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AN: As a senior class, I think we are very close. We all have different personalities that complement each other and we get along really well. Over the years, we have gotten closer and I think as time has gone on, we have learned about each others' strengths and weaknesses. Paige and Steph are the two I have become closest to over the years, but as a whole, I think all seven of us will be friends for a long time. We have each others' backs when it comes down to it and are always there supporting one another.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
AN: Going in to Senior Night, I am incredibly excited. Playing college soccer has always been my dream growing up, and it is amazing to think that my dream came true and is coming to an end. Regardless of the result of the game, I know I can walk off the field happy because I've given this team all I am capable of.
What will you miss about Lehigh women's soccer?
AN: I obviously will miss playing soccer, but most importantly, I am going to miss the team. These group of girls have become some of the closest friends I have at Lehigh and I know there is nothing that will get in the way of those relationships. I am going to miss going to practice every day and listening to all the latest gossip. I am going to miss heading out early to work on shots with our forwards. I am going to miss laughing and having fun with my teammates. And I am going to miss our pregame dance parties in the locker room. The memories I have made with this team are more than I could have asked for in my collegiate career.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AN: Post graduation, I plan on taking the MCATs and applying to medical school. In the meantime, I am going to take a gap year or two and work in the biotech industry.
#3 Katie Centeno - Midfielder - Coronado, Calif. - Supply Chain Management
Centeno has made significant contributions right from the beginning, playing in 17 games as a freshman with 11 starts. Then as a sophomore, she played in all 17 games (15 starts) and scored her first-career goal while dishing two assists as well. The goal came in the fourth minute against Bucknell while her assists came vs. Central Connecticut State and Loyola. As a junior, Centeno played in 15 games, scoring the game's only goal in the Patriot League opening win over American. Now as a senior, Centeno has played in 14 games with seven starts, which includes an assist in the season opener against Mount St. Mary's. Beyond on-field contributions and statistics, she plays a critical role with team chemistry and camaraderie, displaying a selfless attitude that carries over to her teammates. Centeno has impressed in the classroom, owning a 3.27 cumulative GPA as a Supply Chain Management major.
What's your favorite Lehigh women's soccer memory up until this point?
KC: Freshman year, we had some crazy winter track workouts. One time when we went to the dining hall afterwards, we were greeted with a standing applause from the track and baseball teams who witnessed how much fun we just had! Oh wait, you said favorite memory....?
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KC: Our class really consists of nine girls. We pretty much hit every type of personality within our class, which makes it such a special group of girls. We have become the best of friends throughout our time together. Huge shout out to the coaches for recruiting the best teammates, friends and sisters a girl could ask for. I can't thank them enough for bringing my future bridesmaids into my life!
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
KC: Honestly, it's not really hit me. It's hard to imagine not playing the game you have fallen in love with and have done every day of your life since you were three. I feel so incredibly lucky and blessed to have been able to be a part of this team the last four years and although I'm sad to see this chapter come to an end, I'm also excited about the next adventure.
What will you miss about Lehigh women's soccer?
KC: Everything. I'll miss the pregame locker room foot dances, playing on the most beautiful field, the sunsets (and rises) over Goodman Campus, seeing our trainer Rachel's smiling face every day, stuffing our faces at dinners on coaches dime and most importantly, being with the greatest group of 25 girls I know.
What are your postgraduate plans?
KC: Not 100% sure yet. Most likely doing a supply chain rotational program, or living on East Fifth at the BabeCave forever. It's really a toss up!
#8 Paige Elliott - Defender - Soddy Daisy, Tenn. - Chemical Engineering
Elliott has enjoyed unparalleled success as a student-athlete at Lehigh. A first team All-Patriot League honoree as a freshman, Elliott has also excelled in the classroom. Last season, she was named a CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree while garnering a spot on the Academic All-Patriot League Team. Elliott owns a stellar 3.98 cumulative GPA in the challenging Chemical Engineering curriculum, making the Dean's List every semester. Elliott's play on the soccer field isn't too shabby, either. She played in all 18 games with 16 starts as a freshman, tallying two goals and two assists. Elliott scored the game's only goal at Army as a sophomore then posted two assists as a junior and has one assist this season. As a defender, she has helped anchor the Mountain Hawks' back line which has annually been one of the Patriot League's best. So far this season, Lehigh has posted six shutouts and has only allowed 1.19 goals per game.
What's your favorite Lehigh women's soccer memory up until this point?
PE: One of my favorite Lehigh soccer memories was when we played Bucknell my freshman year. The game was tied throughout regular play, so it went overtime. A few minutes into overtime, Izzy Li, a senior at the time, scored. Everyone on the field sprinted to hug Izzy, and the whole bench stormed the field screaming with excitement. It turns out, the goal was offsides and the ref told the bench to get off the field, so everyone ran back to their places feeling ridiculous. A few minutes later, Izzy scored again and it counted and everyone re-stormed the field!
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
PE: I love my class! We all bring such different and fun personalities to the team, and no matter what, we have each others' backs. It's crazy that since my freshman year, our class has lost two, but also gained two. We've embraced each change and been supportive of each other through it all, which I think is pretty awesome.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
PE: It's such a surreal feeling heading into Senior Night. It feels like yesterday that I went on my official visit and caught my first glimpse into what it would be like to be a part of LUWS. While it's overwhelming to think about my college soccer career coming to an end, I'm really excited for Senior Night. The Bucknell game is always a great game. All the senior families are here, and I'm just excited to come together as a class and play a great game at home.
What will you miss about Lehigh women's soccer?
PE: I'll miss lots of little things about LUWS. While I will definitely work out and play pickup after college soccer, there are a lot of aspects about playing on this team that I won't be able to repeat. I'll miss getting super competitive while playing juggle wars and horseshoes. I'll miss hanging out with everyone in the locker room and training room after practice. I'll miss the anticipation before a game, the announcement of the starting lineup, holding hands during the national anthem. And as crazy as it sounds, I'll miss the 6 a.m. (practices), spring lifts, speed with Eric and all of the things we do together as a team that we would never do alone.
What are your postgraduate plans?
PE: I will be working in industry for a chemical engineering company (not sure which yet, but potentially The Linde Group, W.L. Gore, Chattem Inc., ExxonMobil, Merck, Regeneron).
#10 Madi Morgan - Midfielder - Grand Rapids, Mich. - Psychology
Morgan has developed into one of Lehigh's anchors, especially over the last two seasons. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native played in eight games as a freshman with four starts. She followed with 15 games played as a junior. Last season, Morgan started all 16 games, shifting into a defensive midfield role. She tallied her first-career point, an assist against Binghamton, and helped lead a Lehigh defense which tallied six shutouts. This season, Morgan's impact has continued to rise. She has helped anchor a Lehigh defense which has pitched six shutouts while also scoring her first-career goal in dramatic fashion. The goal came in double overtime at Temple to give the Mountain Hawks a thrilling 3-2 win. Along with her success son the field, Morgan has impressed in the classroom, tallying a 3.12 cumulative GPA as a Psychology major.
What's your favorite Lehigh women's soccer memory up until this point?
MM: It is very difficult picking out just one memory, but one that pops into my mind is from freshman year. In the offseason (winter) of my freshman year, we had challenging track workouts in Rauch field house. Amy (Hough, assistant coach) was running this 6 a.m. workout and she told us we were going to run 8-400's, 4-200's, etc. I don't remember the exact number, but it was grueling. The track team was in there doing their own workout and even they were surprised at how much we were running. They were cheering us on. Not only was the track team in there witnessing our hard workout, but the whole baseball team was also watching from an elevated surface above. Our bodies were exhausted. After the taxing workout, our team went to Rathbone for breakfast. As we walked in to find a place to sit, the whole baseball team was already in there eating. Immediately, they all start clapping and applauding us. To this day, my classmates laugh about the workout and how the whole baseball team cheered us on when they saw us in Bone.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MM: I have met some of my best friends because of soccer and I couldn't ask for a more fun, loving senior class. We all bring different personalities to the table and I love each one of them for it. We have gone through so much together; all the 6 a.m. runs, strenuous lifts, that time we ran ten 300's at once, calling each other over the summer about the summer packet, walking up the never-ending hill (so it seemed) to Dravo at midnight after a long bus ride home. We have cried together because of exhaustion and more times than not, laughed until we cried because of the enjoyment our team has together. If it weren't for my senior class I wouldn't be the player or person I am today. They make me a better person and the memories/friendships we have really are everlasting.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
MM: Senior Night is definitely bittersweet for me. Most of us have been playing soccer since we were five years old. I think back to when my dad used to be my coach and where our shirts looked like dresses. We would have oranges at half time and get excited for the treats after the game, and think about the innocence and fun we had at that age. Now 16 years later, look where I am - playing competitive DI soccer at an incredible school. My parents drive weekend after weekend out of pure love and enjoyment of watching me play. It's a dream come true. I have grown so much as a person because of soccer and have made amazing friendships. It is difficult and sad thinking that the sport I love and something that has been a part of my entire life is coming to an end. I won't know what to do with my time! LUWS has shaped me into who I am today. It has pushed me and challenged me in so many ways I would have never thought of. It really is amazing how much I took for granted playing the sport I love, on such a beautiful facility with wonderful people. I think it is hard to understand how great someone has it until it is near the end. Soccer at Lehigh has been more than an incredible experience; it has made my time at Lehigh the best I could ask for. Although soccer is coming to an end, I will always be a part of Lehigh women's soccer and I know that I have made the best friendships that will continue even without soccer.
What will you miss about Lehigh women's soccer?
MM: What I will miss most is being a part of a team that has something to fight for. The friendships I have built with my teammates will not go away, but having the privilege to go out and compete every day, playing the sport you love does. There is nothing like winning an evening home game, under the lights and seeing the excitement on your teammates' faces, or celebrating with your team after a win. It may sound weird, but I am going to miss the 6 a.m. practices and the hard lifts because you are with your team doing it. Being a part of something greater than yourself and being with 24 other girls who are going through the same challenges as yourself is what brings you even closer. No matter how hard they try, no one will truly understand what you are going through except those that are going through it with you… your teammates. I really am going to miss not only the happy times, but also the difficult times in soccer as well. I will miss the difficult times because of the girls that are by my side pulling me up. Teammates make each other better people, on and off the field, every day.
I am also really going to miss the feeling I get when I look into the stands and see my family in the bleachers. My parents are my biggest supporters and whenever they are at my games, I want to make them proud. I think it is going to be just as hard on them as it is on me that my sport is coming to an end. Soccer has been such a huge part of my parents' lives as well because they are the ones who pushed me and got me to where I am today. I couldn't have done it without them. I am going to miss all of the excitement, challenges and adventures that my parents and I have experienced together because of soccer.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MM: I am staying at Lehigh for a fifth year to get my Master's Degree in Education. Lehigh has a five year program in the college of education, so I will hopefully receive a Master's in General Ed, Pre-K through fourth grade. After my fifth year, I hope to be an elementary teacher. I would love living in a city such as Chicago, but wherever I find a job, I will be more than happy.
#18 Alex Sangiuliano - Midfielder - Frenchtown, N.J. - Journalism
A transfer from Syracuse, Sangiuliano has made an impact in her two years wearing the Brown and White. A tremendous teammate, Sangiuliano's presence is felt in practice and on gamedays. She has gotten into five games so far, all as a senior, dishing an assist in the season opener against Mount St. Mary's and most recently seeing action at Boston University. Strong in the classroom as well, Sangiuliano owns a 3.13 GPA in Journalism, earning a spot on the Dean's List in the spring of 2014.
What's your favorite Lehigh women's soccer memory up until this point?
AS: My favorite memories of LUWS thus far is probably the locker room pregame dances that we have. There is just a really excited, egger, fun, energy before games, and a lot of that comes out in dances that we do. I typically do this dance called "the arm" to the song "Take Me Home" by CashCash with Madeline Walsh because she can keep up really well with the dance. I love trying to teach other people it too and seeing everyone get into it and trying (most of the time failing) is really fun.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AS: I think this past season, especially, I have gotten closer to them. Knowing that this is our last season in college soccer is sad, yet so exciting and I think we all bond over that same emotion in a sense. We have talked a great deal about our season and the expectations that we set for ourselves of course, but we have also talked a great deal about the things we are going to do after soccer, which will be another chapter to take on together!
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
AS: Lots of mixed feelings. I never thought the day would actually come to be honest. I think what I will miss the most is the team. I was talking to my mom about this the other week and I am coming to the realization that soccer will always be there, but your teammates won't be, and that's the part that is the greatest, but is also the hardest thing to let go… as corny as it may sound. They of course will remain my friends for the rest of my life, but just knowing that you will never again be a part of something that is bigger than yourself, never doing silly locker room dances or being on long bus rides, and getting to play with your best friends every day is what bothers me most because that's what I'll miss the most. It's what all alumni also agree upon when speaking to them. You can always find a way to play soccer, but never again in my life will I be a part of something like this. It's a great feeling because I know that I got a lot of value from the experience, but it's also the worst. All things, good or bad, unfortunately have to come to an end at some point.
To have been given the opportunity to play at such a great institution with great teammates and people, it is sad to see it come to an end, but I am excited for my future and the future of the underclassmen at the same time.
What will you miss about Lehigh women's soccer?
AS: What I will miss the most about LUWS is probably the people. For me, the bonds that I have formed with past and present players are what matters most in the end. Even though I'll still be friends with everyone, things will be different after soccer. Schedules aren't the same and this means that you're not with your team as much which I'm sure will be a very strange feeling considering we're with each other for at least three hours of the day, every day. This team has become part of my identity in a sense and not having that to the fullest extent is a feeling that definitely pulls at your heart strings a bit.
I'm going to miss soccer, too. Playing to win something big with your team is what makes it fun. I'm going to keep playing for sure post college. It is such a fun sport and a great way to stay in shape!
What are your postgraduate plans?
AS: I'm planning on getting a job in New York City post college with the hopes of a job that can provide me ample money that can keep up with my shopping addiction for the first time in my life, allow me to travel when I have time and set me up for a great future. I will probably stay at home for a year or so, just to save some money, and then think about moving to Hoboken. I'm definitely going to continue to still play soccer in a league somewhere. Staying in shape now that soccer won't be an everyday thing is very important to me, so I'm also very interested in trying to run a half marathon and marathon in the next year or so. By graduating from Lehigh and seeing the success that has come from past players and students, the possibilities are endless!
#21 Emily Korber - Defender - Massapequa, N.Y. - Supply Chain Management
Korber jumped right into the Lehigh lineup as a freshman, playing in 17 games with 13 starts and dishing an assist. The assist came on Isabelle Li's overtime game-winner against Bucknell, which helped spark the Mountain Hawks to the Patriot League Tournament. Korber has continued to make an impact ever since, primarily as a key part of the Lehigh defense which has pitched 12 shutouts over the past two seasons. In the classroom, Korber owns a 3.21 GPA as a Supply Chain Management major.
What's your favorite Lehigh women's soccer memory up until this point?
EK: My favorite Lehigh soccer memory is when we played Bucknell my freshman year. We scored in the final minutes and everyone charged the field celebrating, but the goal was called offside. It was hilarious and embarrassing, but then two minutes later, we scored again ending the game with a win! This is a funny memory, but at the same time we had a fight in us, and a determination, to win that game.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
EK: I love my senior class. Everyone is so different and we come together to form a great group of leaders. We all have become so close and I am so proud of each one of them.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
EK: It still hasn't sunk in that this is my last home game. I have learned so much through being a part of this team and I feel so grateful to have had this experience. I love playing competitive soccer and it will feel so strange when I am finished.
What will you miss about Lehigh women's soccer?
EK: My teammates. I have formed lasting friendships on this team and I will miss spending every day together and going through up and downs of playing a college sport.
What are your postgraduate plans?
EK: I am currently looking for a position. I am very interested in consulting and supply chain business rotations because I like the idea of traveling and seeing different places. I have been interviewing, so we'll see!
#27 Steph Klaubert - Defender - Franklin, Mass. - Bioengineering
Klaubert joined the Mountain Hawks as a junior and has made her presence felt in practice. She has worked her way into game action, playing key minutes in Lehigh's Patriot League opening win last season before getting into five games during her senior season. She fired a shot in the season opener vs. Mount St. Mary's and most recently saw second-half minutes at Princeton and Boston University. Klaubert owns a strong 3.22 GPA as a Bioengineering major.
What's your favorite Lehigh women's soccer memory up until this point?
SK: My favorite Lehigh soccer memory up to this point was the first time the team played Circle of Life (remix) in the locker room before a game. The collective energy was through the roof.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SK: My fellow seniors are amazing friends that I know will always have my back and I will always have theirs. They are always there, whether it's to talk about something serious, or just for a good laugh. I am lucky to have had them as my classmates and friends over the past couple of years and look forward to keeping in touch with them for a long time.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
SK: Going into Senior Night, it's hard not to reflect on the past few years and remember the great times as well as the not so great ones. I can't help but think that I wouldn't trade any of those moments if I had the opportunity to. These are the moments that have made our team and program what we have become today. Lehigh soccer is one of the most special things that I have had the privilege to be a part of. I have all of my teammates and coaches, current and previous, to thank for that.
What will you miss about Lehigh women's soccer?
SK: The thing that I will miss most about Lehigh women's soccer is getting to play a sport that has been such a huge part of my life for so long with great friends every day. I will miss walking out to the field with my teammates before a game and knowing that, in that moment, nothing else matters except for each other and the game that lies ahead of us.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SK: I am still trying to decide if I am going to pursue applying to medical school or if I am going to apply to work as an engineer.
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