Mia Fischel, Features Editor–
In the fall 2023 season, the Denison Women’s Soccer team encountered a few hurdles, including a new head coach and unexpected losses, but they persevered and ended the season with some big wins and awards.
Led by head coach Sarah Brink, the team finished the season with a bang, winning the NCAC conference championship 1-0 against Wittenberg and traveling to the NCAA tournament.
Following the four values that guide their program– connection, communication, competition, and commitment– Brink and the five senior players took the initiative to lead the team through the transition.
“Something we talk a lot about on our team is making sure people feel really connected and like they are a part of it. The team’s worked really hard and been open to new ideas,” Brink said. “That class had really good leaders and set good examples for the younger players.”
Senior midfielder Ellie Reiser ‘24 and forward Callie Davis ‘24 received a number of individual accolades for their athletic and academic endeavors, including recognition as All-Ohio players. Davis was named second-team All-Ohio, Reiser was named third-team, and both were named first-team Academic All-Ohio.
Brink relied on Reiser and Davis to keep the team atmosphere light and humorous during discouraging times. However, they also knew when to keep it serious. Both Reiser and Davis started in all 19 matches and set impressive examples for their younger teammates.
“As a coach, you always knew that no matter what, they were going to go out there and try to win the game as best as they could. They were reliable in that way and just kept fighting for 90 minutes even if both were so tired,” Brink said.
Reiser, a global commerce major and Spanish minor, was selected for the All-Ohio award for the second time in her career. She attributed the success to her teammates.
“It was really rewarding, but at the same time, I know that I received that on behalf of the people I play with as well,” Reiser said. “They make me look good by doing what they do best.”
Reiser found it difficult to connect with teammates as a student who entered freshman year during COVID. However, as she grew closer with the team throughout four years of pasta parties, team dinners, and long bus rides, she made it a goal to make the incoming freshmen feel welcome.
“I’ve learned how to help the freshman coming in to feel the way that I didn’t feel, so more sense of belonging and a community feel within the team,” Reiser said. “Just kind of learning how you don’t have to be a senior to be a leader. You’re a leader every single year you’re on the team. The good thing about this team is that age doesn’t really matter; if you want to have a voice, you have a voice.”
Reiser’s biggest supporter was her father. A football coach and competitive by nature, he’s been encouraging Reiser in soccer ever since she was in the fourth grade.
“He’s trained me every summer, taken me to the field. He’ll blow the whistle for me during my runs when I need to change speed,” Reiser said. “He’s never played soccer, he’s a football coach, but he’ll stand in the goal and try to block my shots.”
For Reiser’s last season, her parents would drive the three hours and 15 minutes from Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, to cheer from the bleachers. This semester, her college life looks a lot different.
“When it first ended during the fall semester, it was very shocking,” Reiser said. “You don’t anticipate what’s next because you’re so into it during the season, and when it ends, you’re like, ‘I don’t know what to do with my life, do I even have hobbies outside of this?’ You feel a little stuck.”
Leaving behind competitive soccer, she’s had the free time to pick up hobbies outside of soccer that she hadn’t expected to enjoy.
“It’s also really nice to see that younger group of girls come closer together during this spring season because obviously we’re not with them anymore. So it’s nice from an outside perspective to see them grow without us being there,” Reiser said.