– ESPN’s Jeff Goodman reported today that Ray Kasongo, an incoming freshman forward for Oregon’s basketball team, was denied admission into the school. The 6-foot-9 Canadian announced on Oct. 25 via Twitter that he would be committing to the Ducks.  Andrew Greif of The Oregonian reports via Twitter that the UO athletic department doesn’t anticipated Kasongo will be a part of the 2014-2015 team.

– Junior golfer Brandon McIver won his second-straight Montana State Amateur Championship this past Saturday at Whitefish Lake Golf Club. McIver, who recently played in the U.S. Open, play in the U.S. Amateur Championship, Aug. 11-17 with fellow teammates Thomas Lin, Jonathan Woo and Brandon Baumgarten.

– Pac-12 Media Days concluded last weekend. Here is Emerald sports reporter Justin Wise’s take on college commissioners.

– The Oregon athletic department announced this upcoming season’s cross country schedule for the Ducks, of course kicking off with the Bill Dellinger Invitational on Friday Sept. 5.

– The Emerald caught up with Oregon alumni Daley Stevens about his transition from the UO Club soccer team to playing for Lane United.

– The Register-Guard’s Steve Mims has a story on how Oregon baseball’s roster will shape up after the the MLB draft.

Former Oregon men’s basketball player Brandon Austin will be transferring to Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas, according to a JucoJunction.com source close to the situation.

Recently, the 6-foot-6 forward was suspended from UO for at least four years along with former teammates Dominic Artis and Damyean Dotson, after violating the University of Oregon’s student conduct code for sexual misconduct.

Austin was also suspended from previously Providence before transferring to Oregondue to a violation of student conduct. It was later reported that Austin was under investigation by Providence police for sexual assault.

The UO suspended Austin from the basketball program in May.

According to Andrew Grief of the Oregonian, Austin’s attorney Laura Fine Moro could not confirm that Austin has officially joined the team but did share that Hutchinson interviewed him last week.

Many University of Oregon students roamed the streets of Eugene wearing red, white and blue on July 4, but one group of students sported different colors — yellow, green and blue.

A group of Brazilian students and friends filled the lounge of Morton Hall to watch Brazil face Colombia in a World Cup quarterfinal match.

Flip-flops were scattered all over the floor as more couches and tables were brought in for necessary extra seating. People draped Brazilian flags around their necks and firmly clenched noise makers, which the students brought from Brazil to the United States.

The fans created a thrilling atmosphere, which is nothing new to the approximately 20 Brazilian exchange students who are currently attending the UO.

As the Brazilian and Colombian flags make their way onto the soccer pitch, the Brazilian students start cheering, banging a tambourine and clapping noisemakers.

“When we are winning, we make some noise,” Brazilian student Raquel Deboni said. “When the other team is winning, we make some noise because we are annoyed.”

The World Cup has been one of the biggest stories of the summer, striking a chord around the world and Eugene, Oregon is no exception. It’s been a surreal experience for the Brazilians studying in the U.S. while their country hosts the World Cup.

Many Brazilian students say three things differ between the two countries: the weather, the food and how Americans just don’t seem to share the same passion for the beautiful game of soccer. Although many Americans bought into the U.S. soccer team’s motto, “One Nation. One Team,” soccer is a way of life in Brazil.

***

Back in Morton Hall, other residents come down to see what the commotion is about.

“With the mix of Japanese people, a Colombian and many Americans, watching the game here doesn’t change things,” student Rodolfo Cangussu said. “I joke with people like I do in Brazil, and that’s really nice. I think it is a group opportunity to watch the game here and show myself as a Brazilian.”

The energy level rises and the room fills up more. But suddenly, the live-streaming stops, sparking a panic in the fans. Cangussu yells and speaks Portuguese quickly as he unsuccessfully tries to find a solution.

Eventually, the game turns back on and hope is restored.

A student makes his way into the lounge wearing a Colombia jersey.

“Hey, you be quiet today,” another student yells at him.

Nick Capaldini, who was born in Colombia and adopted by Italian American parents, knew what he was getting himself into as he walked into that room.

“It was like going to the Oregon games wearing an OSU shirt,” Capaldini said. “But I was glad to do it. You have to represent your team.”

Eyes don’t tear away from the television screen except to answer the occasional phone call or text. The fans scream and occasionally curse in Portuguese when things don’t go their way.

Just seven minutes into the game, Brazil strikes first with a goal from Thiago Silva, and the group erupts. Students hug, scream and jump on the furniture.

“Soccer is in my blood,” said Cangussu, who began going to soccer matches when he was three years old, with his father.

UO student Vinícius Coelho Vanderley Farias said the closest comparison he could make between sports fans in America and Brazil was when the Portland Trailblazers were in the NBA playoffs this spring, and his hallmates were rowdy in the dorms.

“I went out my room and said ‘What happened, World Cup?’” Farias said. “(The cheering) is the same in Brazil.”

Brazilian student Carlos Henrique Scalassara Ferreira Menezes said people are fanatical about soccer in Brazil.

“They are crazy. Some people fight on the streets, they get huge tattoos of their clubs,” Menezes said. “Every Wednesday and Sunday we have soccer on television.”

Brazilian student Vitória Lovizotto, who experienced a Duck football game at Autzen Stadium this past fall, said the way Oregon fans watch football is comparable, but felt Brazilians pay more attention to the game and don’t talk during the game.

Although many of the Brazilian students are enjoying their time in the United States, they do miss being able to experience the World Cup with family and friends. However, the group seems to be making the most of their experience is Eugene.

“I wish I was there, but I am really enjoying the experience here because we are getting together and watching all the games together,” Deboni said. “Our group is making a bond and we are sharing this moment, it’s been a really amazing experience.”

However, the World Cup in Brazil has experienced its share of criticism.

“The World Cup is fine, but there are many things behind the World Cup that are not good,” Menezes said. “The money never goes to education or healthcare, and that’s too bad.”

Brazilian citizens have protested the increase in public transportation, along with the large price tag to build new stadiums, while much of Brazil’s population still face struggles.

Menezes said that the corruption in politics and unbalanced distribution of wealth should have sparked people’s outrage earlier. He also believed that in order for the country to get better, the country should start by improving its education.

“These types of protests we are having now, we should of had a long time ago,” Menezes said. “It’s a loop and it never ends.”

However, his fellow Brazilian Farias believed Brazil’s preparation for the Cup was normal compared to what other countries must do to host other major sporting events. Farias pointed out that Brazil hosted the Pan-American games in 2007 and is set to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. He saw the importance of providing good public transportation and stadiums to the tourists.

“Imagine if Brazil didn’t spend this money and people come to root on their home country and say ‘Ah, I don’t like Brazil. Brazil doesn’t have the good stadiums, the good public transportation, it’s the worst, don’t go.’ Just imagine,”  Farias said.

Menezes said he understood the reason for renovating stadiums in Brazil because many people go to the games, but he believed that spending money to build new stadiums, such as the Arena da Amazonia in Manaus was extravagant. Although Menezes didn’t agree with all of the spending that was used for the World Cup, as a Brazilian, Menezes is grateful for the opportunity to have an affordable college education as well as the ability to go to the hospital whenever he needs. He said the key is putting the money where it is substantial and everything would be in harmony.

“If my family and I are comfortable and healthy, I don’t care how many World Cups you want to do,” Menezes said. “I believe one day in the future, Brazil is going to get on the right path. At least, I hope.”

***

With the sound of a guitar playing softly in the background, the Morton Hall lounge erupts with cheers when David Luiz scores, putting Brazil up 2-0. Although Colombia’s James Rodríguez scores 11 minutes later causing silence in the room. Five minutes of extra time gets added, but in the end Brazil comes out on top. As the final whistle blows, Cangussu gives Colombian fan Capaldini a hug.

The Brazilians may be far away from home and experiencing a new lifestyle, but they’re hopeful about Brazil’s preformance in the World Cup semifinals.

“Since experiencing the American way of life, I am really proud to be here and be cheering for my country,” Deboni said. “To be in the final game, that would be awesome.”

The world of sports often brings out the passion of many avid fans. For UO student and graduating senior Will Bohn, international soccer is his passion.

As the class of 2014 throws their caps in the air at graduation on June 16, Will won’t be there alongside his fellow classmates.

Instead, Will will be in the stands at Estadio das Dunas in Natal, Brazil, attending his third World Cup and rooting on his beloved U.S. men’s national soccer team as they face Ghana.

Will can easily provide anyone with a play-by-play account of what happened at each World Cup game he witnessed. However, they go hand-in-hand with memories he has shared with his family, mainly his father, David Bohn.

“There is just something about international soccer that I have always admired,” Bohn said. “It’s not just the pride of one city or one college that’s on the line. It’s really everything that the country stands for is on the line … the pride of an entire nation is at stake.”

Bohn and his father David are able to get tickets to these hyped matches through their membership with U.S. Soccer Supporter Club, a supporters club that with the payment of dues provides members with priority for tickets to USA soccer events.

Will’s first World Cup experience was in Germany in 2006. He had just graduated 8th grade, celebrated his 14th birthday and the trip marked his first time visting Europe.

Will’s memories from Germany include an emotional national anthem before the U.S. versus Italy game, along with the controversial loss to Ghana.

Oh, and of course delicious bratwursts.

However, Will admitted his time in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup was truly his favorite.

“That one (South Africa) was a lot more fun in my opinion,” Will said. “My best moments of the World Cup are definitely from South Africa, just because all of the epic moments.”

The World Cup in South Africa also is near to Bohn’s heart due to the U.S. versus Algeria game, where Landon Donovan’s goal late in the game secured U.S the win.

“I remember being so out of breath from all the cheering,” Bohn said. “I was afraid I was turning blue for a moment.”

After the game, Bohn and his father David went out for a spaghetti dinner to celebrate the victory.

“Let’s just say it wasn’t the best spaghetti I have ever had, but it sure tasted like it.”

Will’s passion for soccer orginally sparked from his father, who became a big fan when the United States hosted the World Cup in 1994.

“I kinda felt during 1994 that it should be true that the U.S. fans should be supporting the team in the same way and even in the same number of USA fans of other sports,” David said. “It’s kinda a commitment, but it gets in your heart.”

Will has also experienced soccer games with friends, as fellow student Cody Karlin and Will traveled to Ohio to watch a qualifying match where U.S. beat Mexico.

Karlin jokes that Will has been attending World Cup matches and U.S. soccer games with his father since probably before most people his age knew all the words to the “Star-Spangled Banner” and was impressed by Bohn’s energy level throughout the entirety of the game.

“Having such an awesome fan next to me made both the experience and our friendship all the better,” Karlin said.

As the World Cup in Brazil kicks off today so does the Bohn family travels.

Will said he is looking forward to the trip and especially excited to see U.S. face Portugal at Arena Amazonia in Manaus, which is located deep in the Amazon Rainforest.

Due to the controversy surrounding the tournament, Will admitted he is a little nervous, but his father David isn’t as concerned, just excited for the celebrations and being around other fans. He added that when Brazil fans visited the U.S. in 1994 they were great and expects them to be good hosts as well.

Although spoken like a true parent, David did share that his main concern is how Will will handle the heat in Brazil.

Ultimately, this Bohn family tradition had brought memories, many airline miles and joy to this father and son duo. David adds that it is a tradition that he hopes will continue to stay in the family for future generations.

“Let’s hope 10 to 20 years from now there is another generation that they can pass this tradition down to,” David said.  “That would be pretty cool.”

Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman

After the Oregon lacrosse team fell to Denver in a battle for first place in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation on April 26, senior Sami Kiser, along with her teammates and coaches, was not ready to leave the field.

The team had some people to thank first — Kiser’s non-hearing and deaf students stood on the sidelines during the game as guest coaches.

As the team huddled and post-game stretches concluded, the team signed “Thank you for coming” to the group of children and teachers.

“It was  great to see the hearing and deaf community come together in that moment,” Kiser said.

Kiser, who will graduate next week with a degree in communication disorders and sciences, will most likely witness many more of those moments as she hopes to pursue a career as a deaf educator after college.

This past year, she volunteed in a classroom with deaf children. However, Kiser first learned American Sign Language during fall term of her sophomore year.

“It’s a language you have to be patient with and if you are passionate about it, it will come to you.” Kiser said.

The Maryland native then took a second year of the language and found her calling this past fall. As Kiser was enrolled in class titled ASL for Educators taught by Heidi Corce, she officially decided to she wanted to become a deaf educator.

“I was sitting in class and I don’t know what happened but it all of a sudden hit me,” Kiser said. “I turned to my teammate Shannon (Propst) and I was like ‘I want to be Heidi when I grow up.”’

Corce said that Kiser’s high energy and positive attitude molds her into a natural leader.

After that class, Corce invited Kiser to help teach at Bertha Holt Elementary, where Kiser would eventually volunteer twice a week.

“I just knew that was the right place for me,” Kiser said. “I leave there just beaming.”

When Kiser told her first year sign language teacher Johanna Larson about her experience at the school and decision to pursue a career in the field, it was an emotional moment. Both Kiser and Larson teared up when they heard the news.

“Deafness is a part of my life, so to see someone with that much emotion want to do that means that the world will be better for my family,” Larson said. “I can’t wait to see what happens with the kids she teaches.”

Kiser also found a way to combine her passion for teaching and love for lacrosse together when she taught her students how to play the game, along with some of the rules.

“It was amazing. I’m seeing what their world is like everyday, so the fact that they could see what I do every day was great,” Kiser said. “It touched my heart.”

From the lacrosse field to the classroom, Kiser seems to bring energy to whatever she is involved in, which Larson added is key for someone who signs.

“She is fun loving, full of life and her eyes are always sparkling,” Larson said. “That really helps because deaf people can’t always hear the tone of one’s voice, but they can see in your face whether it’s genuine.”

Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman 

After Paul Reber stepped down as the women’s tennis head coach in late April, it was announced today by the Oregon athletic department that Alison Silverio will be the team’s new head coach.

Silverio spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater Georgia Tech. While playing at Georgia Tech Silverio won a national championship and earned NCAA tournament MVP.

As a coach at Georgia Tech, Silverio was a part of assembling the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation in 2012 and the No. 6 class in 2013. Silverio coached the top-ranked doubles team in the nation last spring as well as the ITA National Indoor doubles champions and ITA Regional doubles champions in 2013. The Yellow Jackets squad made NCAA Sweet 16 appearances in 2012 and 2013.

“We are excited to add Alison to our coaching staff,” Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens said in a press release. “She was a championship student-athlete and one of the top assistant coaches in the country at an outstanding institution.  Alison has a strong vision for our women’s tennis program that centers on the student-athlete experience.”

The former Yellow Jacket becomes the 10th head coach in the program’s history.

“Oregon has long been known for its outstanding educational institution and for its exceptional athletic department,” Silverio said. “My passion is to build champions, not only on the tennis court and in the classroom, but also in developing positive school-community relationships. And I am grateful to be a part of a department that strives for that same standard of excellence. I am motivated for the hard work, toughness, and discipline ahead for myself and for the team.”

Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman

McKenzie Ryding remembers being on the ground, saying a few choice words and waving the trainers off as she winced in pain.

Ryding, a junior and team captain for the Oregon women’s lacrosse team, took a rough hit as a shot whipped right into her arm in a game that mattered the most for their season.

Ryding  didn’t want to leave the game, as a conference tournament win and potential trip to nationals was on the line.

Unfortunately for Ryding, the team fell that day to Western Washington 16-8.

Between losing seniors to graduating and many players battling injuries this year, the Oregon women’s club lacrosse team has certainly had its obstacles, Ryding said.

“It was a rough one this year, but it shows that our league is getting better and better,” Ryding said. “We just couldn’t beat all the odds.”

In her first year with the team, freshman Emma Juth from Hillsboro, Oregon agreed that the loss was disappointing.

“We were the team expected to win and we didn’t pull through,” Juth said. “Even though the year didn’t end the way we wish it would have — this was one of the best years because we became so close as a team.”

She added that she enjoyed becoming close with the team.

“I came to college and realized I didn’t want to give (lacrosse) up, but it was kinda nerve-racking at first,” Juth said. “It is always intimidating to be a freshman again, but the upperclassmen have been so supportive and made my transition so much easier.”

Another change to the team this season was the addition of coaches Katie Colasurdo and Cristen Shope.

Shope graduated this past June and is an alumni of the team. Ryding said that Shope’s presence has been helpful in this transitional year for the squad.

As a captain last season, Shope said that her previous leadership experience was vital in being a new coach.

“The biggest obstacle in becoming a coach from still being young, (is that) I am not that much older than the girls,” Shope said. “But I immediately got respect from the team.”

Juth said Shope’s age was nice because it made her more relatable to the team.

“It almost felt like she was one of us sometimes,” Juth said.

With one year under her belt, Shope is confident she will improve as a coach next year, along with the team.

“We have our feet under us now,” Shope said. “This year was a lot about working out kinks. There are high hopes for next year with key upperclassmen coming back.”

Shope said the team’s future is looking bright for next year, as she has received many emails from incoming players interested in playing, that have five to six years of lacrosse experience.

Ryding said looking at the bigger picture, she is happy in general with the growth of lacrosse in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, she added that teams are reaching out to play Oregon again — proving that Oregon is still considered competitive in their competitors’ eyes, despite their end of the season loss.

“A lot of people are going to come back looking to improve and get that redemption,” Juth said.

For the past ten years FOOD for Lane County and the UO Athletic Department have teamed up for Oregon football’s annual spring game with the goal to help provide food for families in need within Lane County. 

About 36,000 Duck fans flocked to Autzen Stadium last year to watch an Oregon football practice, and the donation of three cans to the food bank grants entry to the stadium. In previous years they have had crowds in the 40,000s.

The outcome has been successful, as last year’s spring game brought in 60 thousand pounds of food.

According to Brad Bassi, Food Resource Developer for FFLC, the goal this year is to reach 65 thousand pounds, and they are confident they can do so.

This year’s spring game will mark Bassi’s first, as he just hired in October. Although he has experienced  food drives similar to Saturday’s, he said he is looking forward to his first spring game. With a staff of eight people, as well as about 15-20 volunteers greeting people at the front gates of Autzen Stadium, FFLC will receive about enough food to fill up two tractor trailers and two delivery trucks within an hour and a half time period.

“When the events are able to engage that many people all at once to help feed their neighbors in need it’s a very powerful thing,” Bassi said. “When that many people come together to pitch in it is very moving.”

Bassi added that the spring game is also a great way for families who normally couldn’t afford to have an Autzen Stadium experience.

Craig Pintens, Senior Associate Athletic Director for UO’s Athletic Department agreed that it’s a great opportunity for anyone to come to the game, especially since Autzen Stadium has had a 96-game sell out streak.

“The spring game is fantastic because it allows people to have that experience of a game,” Pintens said. ”We are thrilled that we are able to partner with FOOD for Lane County and have a record total of food donated.”

The UO athletic department and FFLC have had a long partnership and excess food from home football games in the fall is also donated to FFLC.

UO business professor Rick Mowday has volunteered at FFLC for so long he jokes that he can’t even remember when he started. Mowday often helps out each week at the sorting center and has also volunteered at many spring games. At the spring game he helps with collecting the food, as well as suggesting to people about the option of a money donation.

“Last year we got to close to 1,700 dollars, and FOOD for Lane County says that for every dollar they get, they can serve three meals,” Mowday said. “It really multiplies.”

Fifty percent of the people FFLC serves are children and they accept any non-perishable food for donation. However, Bassi said they encourage people to bring food with high quality protein such as peanut butter, tuna, cans or soup or chili, as well as canned fruits or vegetables that are low in sugar.

Although FFLC receives thousands of pounds in food at one time, Mowday said that the spring game isn’t hectic due to the gameday-like spirit.

“Everyone is very upbeat and excited because its the spring game,” Mowday said. “I think everyone loves FOOD for Lane County because of its mission and they do great work within the community. It’s just a really nice day with a family atmosphere. People bring their kids and just have a good time.”

As a professor at UO, Mowday encourages students and others on campus to help volunteer because he believes it is very important. For Mowday, it is simply about giving back to the community to meet a great need. Mowday says that is something very apparent when he helps out in the dining halls occasionally.

“These are people that live very difficult lives and they may not always be in the best mood, but no matter what, I always get a thank you from them.”

Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman

Led by senior goalie Caroline Federighi’s  season-high 12 saves, Oregon lacrosse won their first round game of the MPSF tournament yesterday in Denver, Colo., defeating USC 7-6.

“Caroline was huge, she was absolutely huge the whole game,” head coach Jen Beck told GoDucks.com. “She just exudes confidence. We switched our defense a couple times and she was our general out there. We talked about putting the shooters under duress and not giving them point blank shots. And if they did that, they knew that Caroline was there to back them up.”

With their win, Oregon advances to the semifinals and will face top-seeded Denver today at 3 p.m. The Ducks fell to the Pioneers last week 11-5.

“I think Denver rightfully earned the No.1 seed,” Beck said.  “Denver hasn’t played since they played us, so they’ve been prepping for either USC or us. I know we’re excited and we’re to let this victory soak in, but we’ll get right back at it tomorrow morning and prepare for Denver.”

The Trojans were the first to score with a goal from Alex Moore, just two minutes into play.

Oregon then scored three straight with goals by Carly O’Connell, Olivia Pyne, and Holly Johnson. That run gave the Ducks a 3-1 lead with about 18 minutes of play left in the first half.

Moore struck again for the Trojans just under 17 minutes in the first and sparked USC’s offense as they picked up two more goals and took a 4-3 lead.

Pyne tallied another for Oregon to tie the score up at 4-4 heading into halftime.

USC took charge in the second half and scored two straight goals around the 15-minute mark of the second half to take a 6-4 lead.

O’Connell gave the Ducks a fighting chance when she scored two straight goals to tie the score even at 6-6.

“Before the game J-May (Jen Derby) gave me a look and just said, ‘do work’ and it really fired me up,” said O’Connell. “I felt like I had to take leadership since they were marking Shannon up the entire game.”

With under two minutes left, Johnson found senior Nikki Puszcz who found the back of the net for a 7-6 lead.

However, the Trojans did not go down without a fight, as USC caused two turnovers with just one minute to go left in the game. Federighi was able to stay strong in the net and made two big-time saves to help the Ducks hold on to their lead and advance to the second round.

“I was just really, really pumped and excited,” said Federighi about that last minute of play. “I had to have that ‘no mercy’ mindset. Nothing was going to get through me. My defenders were throwing their bodies around to stop the ball and were doing everything they could, so I wasn’t going to let them down.”

USC controlled the draw 10-5 and outshot the Ducks 26-20, but it was Federighi’s 12 saves that really helped the Ducks earn their spot in the next round.

When current Oregon lacrosse goalie Caroline Federighi went down early while going for a steal in the game against High Point last March, it was senior Salliebeth Finnegan’s time to step in.

It’s never good to see a player go down, but it was undeniable that Finnegan had an uplifting spirit. As Finnegan took to the net, an energy erupted within the crowd at Papé Field. There were fans cheering and fellow student athletes screaming her name.

The Ducks won that day. A goal from Carly O’Connell in the final seconds gave Oregon a 7-6 victory. Head coach Jen Beck gave much of the credit for the team’s win to Finnegan for her performance.

This season, Finnegan is still bringing that same energy to the squad, but under a new role.

Described by many as simply a fun loving girl, Finnegan is now a graduate assistant coach for the team.

She attends every practice, every home game and occasionally travels with the team for their road matches. Her main duties include working with the goalies, a position she knows all too well, as well as being a communicator between the players and coaches.

“I try to make sure the players are really connected with the coaches,” Finnegan said. “It’s been a really fun year for me and I have been learning a lot.”

With three younger goalies on the roster led by senior Federighi, who enters this post-season with 96 saves and 10 wins for the Ducks, Finnegan has focused a lot on coaching the goalies due to her expertise in the position.

Finnegan said her experience as a goalie has helped in the transition from playing to coaching because being a goalie requires seeing a lot of different elements and being vocal. She also believes it’s important to give the younger players advice that she wished she had when she was a freshman.

“The goalies have been great and it’s been especially nice to work with Caroline (Federighi),” Finnegan said. “She and I have always been a team. It’s nice for us to still have that camaraderie.”

Federighi agreed that her friendship with Finnegan has been a special component in her experience at Oregon.

“Sallie and I are pretty good friends and it’s great to have her here,” Federighi said.

Federighi added that in a mental position like goalkeeper, having someone with a positive attitude is vital to keeping up a goalie’s spirit.

“I think her positivity is a strength,” Federighi said. “Sallie has been there for me 100 percent, telling me to shake it off, that I have the next one — that’s been great.”

Beck stated that without Finnegan’s help this season, the team would not of been able to accomplish what they have with each goalie on the team. Finnegan said she has especially enjoyed watching sophomore goalie Jenna Moore flourish in her second year. 

“I just trust her,” Beck said. “Sallie is just a treat to have around all the time. She has a maturity about her and she has a calming presence. She also has an element of fun to keep you grounded and to remember to enjoy the moment.”

Finnegan hopes in the future to explore a career in coaching, but says that no matter what she wants to be working with and helping people. Finnegan also added that the team is what keeps her inspired and credited Beck for recruiting girls that don’t just have talent, but are also good people.

“That’s (the team) what makes the this job so worth it,” Finnegan said. “It keeps me wanting to wake up every morning and meet those girls at the field.”

Finnegan jokes that she doesn’t miss all the running involved with being a Division I athlete, but cherishes the moments when she can take a player aside to give a pep talk and instantly see they mood switch to defeated to a positive one.

“It’s hard to be a student athlete and everyday is super difficult,” Finnegan said. “If you’re not smiling and trying to bring along your teammates — it’s not worth it. I think for me I just really try to keep a smile on my face and make sure everyone is happy.”