Diary

Megan
Fox

Past Entries

November 17, 2004

You have brains in your head,
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose.
--Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Early in the 2004 season, we were 1-4 and had lost our starting keeper. It was at this point that the team decided that the only way things could get better was if we actually made them better.

We knew with our record the only way we could get into the NCAA tournament was by winning the UAA and its automatic berth. We threw every bit of heart, energy, and talent we could muster towards that end. Despite all the difficulties and all the doubts, the team never lost sight of that goal.

The road to the tournament was long and full of obstacles that may be optimally characterized as 35-foot tall brick walls. But, at the end of it all was Maryville, Tennessee, site of the NCAA tournament opener.

On the bus, we watched Jenna and Carrie's recruit videos that they sent to Sabo during their senior years of high school. During these cinematic masterpieces it was decided that Eckenhoff has a future as the co-star of Soccer Dog VII.

The men's team had warned us about the field conditions and the fans, but no one was prepared for the brouhaha that would ensue. Fortunately, we were able to capitalize on an early opportunity and Jenna put one away.

I mostly remember angry and unintelligent banter until we scored the second goal early in the second half. The rest of the game was characterized by fearless defense and of course human "SHOTBLOCKERS!"

On Friday morning we headed to Lynchburg, Virginia, to check out the field for our second round game. It was cold and rainy, and I concluded that Lynchburg was a dark and dreary place.

In an attempt to lift our spirits and store our anger, we headed to Outback where we proceeded to miss Australia…and Travis. The next morning we headed back to Lynchburg College for a quick sauna in the locker room.

When the game finally started we were fired up and ready to go. We came out strong and spent the majority of the first half adjusting to the field conditions. I fell down a lot. I also think I speak for the entire team when I say I was impressed with the cheers of the Lynchburg fans.

Cleverly enough, they made fun of the name Emory, proclaiming that our school was named after emery boards. What a riot.

The second half was full of close chances, but as Lankford put it "the soccer gods were not on our side." With about two minutes left in the first overtime, the other team scored a meager goal that ended my soccer career.

And with the loss to Lynchburg, Carrie Eckenhoff, Lindsay Murphy, Lauren Lankford, and myself, ceremonially burned our cleats and our jerseys. Hopefully, Meg from the equipment room is not reading this diary.

On behalf of the seniors, I would like to thank each person that has been a part of the Emory women's soccer team (esp. Lauren Carter). Some of my fondest memories were on 10-hour road trips, during UAA games, and, of course, with the beginning-of-the-season fitness evaluations. I can honestly say I have never been so proud to call myself a member of this team.

This year is only a foundation for the success you will achieve next year. With the return of Jessie Dean, Amy Franciscovich, Karen West, and Gail Bush, I believe Emory can soundly repeat as UAA champion.

Megan Fox is a senior from Atlanta. She would love to answer e-mail questions from Emory recruits and fans.