For nearly 690 minutes of play this season, goalkeeper Tatiana Saunders '15 has stood as the last defender for Dartmouth soccer, allowing just three goals in the last seven games. Saunders was named Ivy League co-player of the week last week after posting an impressive 38 saves this season.
"It's a tremendous honor, and it's nice because not only was I recognized but the whole defense was because we're one big unit," Saunders said. "The defense has been phenomenal these past few weeks, after changing our formation from a flat back to a diamond."
Tremendous as the honor may be, it is not her first since joining the Big Green. She played last year for the Ivy League first team as the only goalkeeper. Even this achievement, however, was overshadowed when she was selected for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's all-region second team. The road to recognition began much the same way as every great journey: humble, unsuspecting and essentially ordinary.
"My dad was the head coach of my first travel team," Saunders said. "He asked if any girls wanted to go into the goal, and no one did. He turned to me and said, Alright, you're in goal. Just be fearless.'"
While she attributes her initial attraction to the sport to her father, Saunders told a different story about her mother's involvement.
"My mom is actually bad luck," she said. "She hasn't seen me play since I was eight. She's not allowed to come to games because she showed up at one game and as soon as she walked on, I was scored on."
In the 12 years since her first save, Saunders has played for teams across the globe. She represented England on the national team from age groups U-15 through 19 in over 10 European countries.
"When she came in as a freshman, you could tell she already had leadership skills," co-captain Kimberly Rose '13 said. "It's been amazing to watch her grow. She's one of the best communicating leaders on the back line."
Saunders maintains focus on her growth as a player and looks to take advantage of the seasoned coaching staff, lead by head coach Theresa Romagnolo. She is especially inspired by coach Brittany Cameron, a member of several professional soccer leagues since 2009, she said.
"Brittany has been an inspiration because she has achieved everything I hope to," Saunders said. "She has played professionally like I hope to, and she knows so much about the sport, especially goalkeeping. Even if I make a good save, she can recognize something small, like my foot being a little off."
Saunders emphasized that succeeding as a team is her top priority, and is setting her sights on the Ivy title this season. Her teammates praised her role as a leader.
"I think we're playing with one of the best keepers in the nation, but also she adds incredible character," co-captain Emma Brush '13 said. "She brings a lot of heart and dedication to the team, which is really valuable. She sets that tone that we're going to win or we're going to do everything we can to win."
Before each game, Saunders focuses by listening to Mario's "All the Above." Once she steps foot on the field, though, she directs all her energy toward pumping up her teammates.
"She brings so much fire and enthusiasm to the game," Rose said. "Before the game starts, she gives a great little pump-up speech to the team."
The season has been off to a start of highs and lows for the Big Green and Saunders, including 110 consecutive minutes of play with no goals allowed against St. John's University and four separate shutouts. Last week, however, the team lost its Ivy League opener against Brown University.
"The loss is going to motivate us," Saunders said. "I know everyone is disappointed, but we're angry, and we're going to use that frustration as motivation to improve this week and also to come out strong against Princeton. It's at home, it's under the lights. We're fired up, and we're going to come out guns ready."
The Big Green women seek redemption in their second Ivy League match up against Princeton University on Saturday.
Rose is a former reporter for The Dartmouth.
