I sat down with Aly O'Dea '12 to talk about falling just short of the Ivy League title at the end of the women's soccer season.
How tough is it to come so close to winning but come up short?
AO: There was a period of time where if four or five things happened we would've won so we were all really excited, but then one of the teams didn't win so we we're really bummed. But second place is still good.
So there's no disappointment?
AO: No, there is absolutely. Obviously when you come that close to that Ivy League ring you're going to be disappointed. Especially considering that we tied Penn and came so close to winning. There was one opportunity in front of the goal in the second overtime that we missed. There's a lot of "what if's."
How does a season like this affect your expectations for next year?
AO: Considering the fact that our coach is already having us lift, I'd say the motivation to be ready for next year is high.
How much does losing this year's group of seniors hurt you guys?
AO: Losing the seniors every year absolutely affects the dynamic of the team. Our seniors each played a very integral role but every year we just have to evolve.
Your class is made of all girls from California, correct?
AO: Well all of us except Colleen [Hogan '12]. There are four of us in my class but I'm the only one from Southern California. I don't know if it's a good thing though. After our class, there hasn't been one recruit from California since. Don't really know what [coach Angie Hind] is trying to say.
How badly do you want that Ivy League ring?
AO: Well, the rings aren't that pretty but I guess there's a girl version. It'd be nice to out-do the boys it'd be nice for all of us to graduate with one.
So does not having one make you jealous of the men's team success in recent years?
AO: I wouldn't say jealous. It's frustrating though when on the men's side the third-place team [in the Ivies] gets to go to the [NCAA] tournament and on the women's side we don't even go.
So does that mean you'll be rooting against the men's team when they face off against Notre Dame?
AO: No, absolutely not! It's great to have soccer do well whether it's men's or women's. I'm good friends with the majority of the team and want them to do well always. Just like I'm sure they feel the same way about us.
I recently saw a YouTube video making fun of soccer players for being unathletic because this guy duffed a completely open shot at the goal from point blank of the post. Can you defend the athleticism soccer requires?
AO: I think the sport requires a lot of athleticism. It's awful when you miss an open goal it's probably one of the most embarrassing things that can happen. I've definitely had a fair share of misses from a few yards away. Something like that actually happened this year like I mentioned before.
So you guys are the best athletes in the world?
AO: Oh yeah. Pure athleticism.
You scored the last goal of the year against Cornell University to seal the win. What was that like?
AO: The win against Cornell ensured our .500 record as well as second place in the Ivy League so it was important even though we didn't get first. We were fighting for our dignity.
What was it like becoming a nonner after soccer season ended? What did you do with all that free time?
AO: It's pretty glorious. I never know what to do with myself, actually. This year I had to be in the library for like the entire week after we finished so I didn't get to have much fun. I know the rest of my team, however, did.
There's a pretty sweet picture of you on DartmouthSports.com right now. Do you like having your likeness all over the internet?
AO: Well, I always look really athletic when they take pictures of me. There's one of me doing a jumping header from last year and I look a spaz.
So you're being sarcastic?
AO: Yes. Also the photographers this year really like the face-on-running shot. There's one of Peyton [Tata '11] and me and they just look really funny.
You won't be hanging that up in your dorm room?
AO: I mean I was going to make it my default picture on Facebook but I decided against it.
