Principia Women's Soccer Student-Athletes' Blog #9

This season is over, and the next one is starting. It's weird to think that it has been three months since we showed up for sports camp. This last week was certainly exciting. After winning conference last Saturday, we knew we were going to the national tournament, but we didn't know who we would face or where we were going to play. On Monday, we found out that we would be flying to Texas to play Hardin-Simmons. Everyone was so excited to be going to Texas! We flew down on Thursday, then played on Saturday. We ended up losing 3-0, but everyone agreed that our team had such a wonderful and fun season.

Despite the loss, the trip to Texas was fun, and we ate lots of real Texas food when we were there. We did have lots of homework to do, though. This is our last week of school, and everyone had finals to study for and last minute projects to get done. Only two days of class left and two days of finals! It's looking like a lot of work right now, but Christmas break is so close, and everyone can't wait to go home.

We're so grateful for how wonderful this season was, and can't wait for next year!

Lauren and Julianna

Principia Women's Soccer Student-Athletes' Blog #8

We won the SLIAC tournament!! The semifinal game was against Webster, one of our biggest rivals. From the very beginning of our warm-up we were ready to play and it showed. We won 3-0 and celebrated like it was the final since they were the team that beat us in the championship last year. But we still had the final game against Greenville, and we brought the same intensity. We won 5-1; it was amazing. For the semifinal game all the sports teams practiced early, so they could come support us which was so nice to have since it was Webster. Then on the final game it was an evening game and a lot of players had family there to watch so tons of people came out. We loved having so many Prin fans.

After the game, awards were given out to players and teams for their accomplishments throughout the season. We were honored to receive the awards that we did and were grateful to have our hard work acknowledged.

Because we won, we got a bid into the NCAA national tournament which means we are going to Texas to play Hardin-Simmons University on Saturday. This week our coaches are raising the intensity even more in our practices, so we can be prepared for a higher level of play. With all of this added together, having only two weeks of school left and missing classes, our schedule is about to get real busy and we need to get on top of our work. But it's nothing we haven't done before and can't handle. We just want to play well and have fun!

Thanks, see you next week!
Lauren and Julianna
(about Lauren & Julianna)

Principia Women's Soccer Student-Athletes' Blog #7

We had two games this week. The first one was against Westminster, and we won 7-1. After the game, we went to an Italian restaurant where everyone got their own personal pizza! It was the best way to celebrate a win, and it was delicious pizza. Our second game was against Maryville, a DII school. We worked hard, but lost in overtime.

School was really busy this week. We're getting close to finals, and all the teachers are starting to realize that we only have three weeks left. Despite all of the work, Halloween weekend was pretty fun. Saturday night, one of the houses on campus put on a talent show called Transylvania Treats. Two of our teammates performed songs, and they rocked! There was also a haunted house on campus put on by another house. Some of the soccer players went together and suffered through intense fear for the seven minutes we were led through the "insane asylum." All in all, it was a pretty socially fun weekend...soccer, we will improve.

Conference tournament this week! We'll let you know how it goes!

Thanks!
Lauren and Julianna
(about Lauren & Julianna)

Principia Women's Soccer Student-Athletes' Blog #6

We played three games this week – we won two and lost one. It was our first loss in a while, and it was pretty disappointing. Even though the score didn't work out in our favor, we played well and their only goal was from a PK. The challenging games are always the most fun because they test all aspects of our game: offense, defense, persistence, and our love for the game, each other, and the other team. It also really helped that it was a home game where we had the support of the crowd.

The week after midterms our school cancels classes on Wednesday as a sort of fall break. Some of the girls went off campus and had dinner, which is a treat! It is so nice to have a break from class, have a full day to work on homework, and get ahead on anything.

This coming week we have our last two regular season games. One of them is against Maryville – a DII school. So we're pumped for that game. Also the conference tournament is just around the corner!

This is Lauren and Jules signing off....Thank you!
(about Lauren & Julianna)

Principia Women's Soccer Student-Athletes' Blog #5

We only had two games this week, and we played well in both. The first was against Fontbonne, which we won 6-1. One of the freshmen on our team had her first collegiate goal! Everyone was so excited for her, plus it was an awesome shot. The highlight of the week was definitely beating Webster, who had beat us last year in the conference final in the second round of pk's. It was a win we really wanted, and that was a great way to start the weekend!

Saturday night, Principia made it possible for students to visit a local corn-maze. There was a "bunny hole" maze and a haunted maze -- this was scarier for some than others. Eventually some of the students joined the corn-maze workers and tried to scare other Principians as they walked by unexpectedly. It was a fun night!

School-work wise, it was really nice only having two games because this week was mid-terms. We also had a day off from soccer, and everyone on the team was grateful for the break. Good games, fun weekend, mid-terms over...BOOM! It's all downhill from here!

Thanks!
Lauren and Julianna
(about Lauren & Julianna)

Principia Women's Soccer Student-Athletes' Blog #4

It was Homecoming weekend...so fun! We played Spalding University from Kentucky and again we won 6-0. It was great to get a win in front of all the alumni. Lots of parents came out, so we had a bunch of families in the stands as well. It was also great because it was a beautiful warm day. Later, we went to a Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for past Principia athletes and coaches. It was really inspirational to see the legacy and history behind the teams at our school.

Then we had a dance party! Of course there was no drinking, just lots of music, lots of dancing, and lots of friends. What more could you want? How about an alumni game the next day! It happened. Unfortunately, we lost to the alumni, but it was tons of fun to play against the greats. Then the homework hit Sunday night. This was probably the most difficult weekend (homework wise) for everyone because we had so many events to go to during the weekend. Sunday night was homework night for everyone, but we survived...barely. Until next week...

Thanks,
Lauren and Julianna
(about Lauren & Julianna)

Principia Women's Soccer Student-Athletes' Blog #3

We had an eventful week with three games. On Tuesday we played Blackburn, which we won 6-0. On Thursday, we headed down to St. Louis to play Washington University, who is one of our toughest competitors. We didn't play as well as we had hoped and lost 4-0. One of the girls on our team lives close to the Wash U campus, and her parents invited us over for some pizza. It was delicious and helped to raise our spirits.

Friday we went to the volleyball game here at Prin. This was one of the first times we've been able to go support them. It was great to watch them win. two of the matches, they played a game for the fans where shirts were laid down on one side of the court, and the crowd had to serve volleyballs over and hit the shirts from the opposite end. It was pretty funny to watch non-volleyball players try and hit the balls.

On Saturday, we played MacMurray at home. It was another offensive game for us, and we walked away with a 5-0 victory. Next week should be another busy one, with three games again. We're trying to get ahead of our school work in order to prepare for homecoming weekend!

Lauren and Julianna
(about Lauren & Julianna)

Principia Women's Soccer Student-Athletes' Blog #2

We had a lot of practices this week. Two early morning workouts where we got to watch the sun rise and afternoon practices full of mosquitoes and bugs. We are learning to play through any distraction.

We only played one game this last week against Eureka, at Eureka. The score was 7-0 us; it was a great offensive game. Afterward came the best part. We each got a medium sized pizza from Pizza Hut to devour as we watched our men's team play. This was the first time we were able to support them. It always helps to have fans at away games. We cheered them all the way to a 2-1 victory.

We were in a rush to get back because 2006 Nobel Peace Prize-winner Muhammad Yunus was speaking at our Campus that night. He founded the Grameen Bank which specializes in microfinancing for the poor. It was an inspiring hour and a half and a great finish to our long day.

Jules and Lauren
(about Julianna & Lauren)

Principia Women's Soccer Student-Athletes' Blog #1

Three weeks of sports camp—it was great! We had three-a-days, some pool workouts, and a lot of team bonding time. It was really wonderful not to have school going on at the time, so we could really focus on being a team. With a huge freshman class, that was really important this year. We finished last weekend of sports camp with a great trip to Chicago. While there, we got to do a bit of sightseeing. We visited the Shedd Aquarium and got to pet some starfish! Soccer was fun, too. We finished pre-season with a record of 2-2.

We had our first home game this last Saturday against Lindenwood, which we won 6-0. Since school has now started, it was great to finally have some fans cheering us on. With one week of classes under our belts, we are adjusting to the different demands placed on us; we’re learning to balance school, soccer, and social lives. It helps that our coaches really encourage the student-athlete, meaning academics comes first. At the same time, that in no way excuses us from a mediocre performance during games. For most of us, practice is our favorite time of day. It’s a wonderful outlet where we can just play soccer, and not have to worry about school and homework.

Our first conference game is this Saturday, and we are so excited to finally see the fruit of all our hard work.

Julianna Mangelsdorf
Lauren Wienecke

Erika Boeckmann's Women's Soccer Student-Athlete Blog #4

These past few weeks have been extremely busy for myself. We just had two weeks with four games, then three games...and we just had two games this past fall break. Unfortunately they did not go very well and we lost both in frustrating terms.

I am glad to finally be mostly recovered from bronchitis. Being sick not only kept me out of soccer but school, and the past week I had alot of lab work and studying to catch up on. Lately I've been working alot on my senior seminar project. I give my presentation on November 13 and my paper is due Oct 30. My topic deals with the biosynthesis of aromatic polyketides, which are compounds commonly used as medicines such as antibiotics. It seems like all of my peers are beginning to stress out about seminar projects. I am in the chemistry department, but many of my friends and my boyfriend are in the biology department.

This week, Monday and Tuesday, is our fall break, and yesterday was spent all day going to our soccer match against Spalding University. We didn't get back until about 4:30am, so today so far has been kind of a lazy day catching up on things around the apartment. This afternoon and tonight though, I will spend most of my time working in the labs, cleaning and preparing materials for the Microbiology and Biochemistry classes.

We have a few days of practice this week to prepare for our game at Principia on Saturday. I'm sure the game will be very intense and hard, so afterwards my boyfriend, who is originally from Grafton, and I are going to go out on the Mississippi River to look at all of the Fall leaves and colors from Grafton to Piasa. I hope to get out and enjoy the warmer weather we are having today on my break, so hope to write again soon.

Erika Boeckmann
(about Erika)

Women's Soccer Student-Athlete Blog #3

These past few weeks have been total chaos! Poor Erika [Boeckmann] came down with bronchitis, and I'm starting to feel sick as well this past week. All of this cold weather is very unfortunate in all aspects of life; the soccer teams have been working hard despite all of the illnesses. We had a few practice cancellations this week and a game postponed due to rain. Hopefully this coming week will provide us with better weather!

Erika and I have been pretty stressed with classes. It makes me feel great once I finish a subject... then I realize I have six more to go! However, I have had a little less stress this week since I have completed and turned in three veterinary school applications... Only two more to go! =)

Today, specifically, I was able to be really productive. Unfortunately, since Erika journeyed home to get some rest, the apartment has been super quiet... which somehow distracted me from studying biochemistry. To remedy this, I popped in Bolt, my all-time favorite movie, and found some peanut butter. With some quiet noise and food, I was back to being productive! Needless to say, I'll be happy when Erika comes back so I don't have to make all of the noise!

On Monday the teams prepare to face Webster at their home field on Tuesday. So if any of you readers know a Blackburn or Webster player, make sure you wish them luck! I know everyone could use some luck in light of recent illnesses such as swine flu, mono, or even the common cold. Keep warm!

Hermy
(about Sara)

Erika Boeckmann's Women's Soccer Student-Athlete Blog #2

This past week has had many ups and downs but today definitely ended on a high note! The Blackburn Women's Soccer team won their match against Lincoln Christian College, 3-0. I was very excited to see our team working hard and it finally paying off with a victory.

I am optimistic about the rest of our season because I see us improving our passing and control every game. Some games our communication is excellent and that has also been a key factor in our improvement. My biggest concern is for the team to stay healthy; many of us are battling relatively small, but cumbersome injuries that will hopefully be worked out.

School has been crazy lately. I have three Analytical Lab write-ups and calculations to do. I also have 3 Biochemistry lab write-ups to finish, as well as a test in each class Friday. My biology courses, Microbiology and Ecology, are moving right along as well.

Last Friday I was excited to have my seminar topic approved; it will be based on a paper titled "Biosynthesis of Aromatic Polyketides in Bacteria". I have until Nov. 13 to prepare a paper and a one hour presentation based on the subject that I chose.

This past weekend was filled mostly with work and homework. After practice Saturday morning I worked a few extra hours at the Prairie Farms Dairy Lab here in Carlinville. I have an intership with them, and I am a lab assistant. With so many class hours and games, I haven't had much time to work there this semester yet. After that I went to campus to work in the labs for lab prep and cleaning for my on-campus job.

Saturday evening I spent a few hours volunteering with a friend at the Lion's Club Festival on the square here in Carlinville. We worked in the Balloon stand blowing up helium balloons. The rest of the weekend was homework and a few hours of work in the labs on Sunday too. Tonight I am concentrating on laundry and lab write-ups after I go out for a celebritory dinner with my boyfriend, Chris.

Erika Boeckmann
(about Erika)

Erika Boeckmann's Women's Soccer Student-Athlete Blog

I’d like to take my first entry to introduce myself and the events leading up to my career at Blackburn College. My name is Erika Boeckmann and I was born and raised in the small town of New Baden Ill. I come from a family of three kids, and was lucky enough to grow up living out of town and in the country. I grew up playing all kinds of sports, sometimes in little leagues and others with friends, cousins, and mostly my mom and older brother. When younger my main focus was softball, volleyball, and basketball, mostly because I was very tall for my age. I would play hockey with my brother and cousins, and being the only girl and youngest, I always ended up playing goalie (without pads of course, and sometimes I would get to use an old baseball glove).

In grade school I started playing soccer at recess, and some of my classmates and especially my friend, Stormy Hatt, encouraged me to play in the town league soccer. That Fall I decided to give soccer a try instead of playing basketball. From the start it was discovered my goalie skills outweighed my field skills, and I played each about half and half. I stuck with soccer and played it the next few years and decided to play soccer instead of softball in high school. I also played two years of volleyball and ran two years of cross country at Wesclin. My career at Wesclin High School included starting every varsity game played, still I never pictured myself playing soccer in college.

It wasn’t until the summer before my senior year when I was looking for schools to apply to when I came across Blackburn College’s brochure in the mail one day. I liked the style of the college and was intrigued about the thought of playing soccer. The next spring I earned the Presidential Scholarship to Blackburn College and was sold on the science department. I committed to attend and agreed with the women’s soccer coach that I would play soccer.

Coming in as a freshman I expected to do a lot of sitting the bench (a rest didn’t seem too bad at that point) because the team had a senior goalkeeper. In our first game my coach decided he wanted to get me in for at least a little bit, and he put me in with about 5 minutes left in the first half, he laughed at me when I said I’d play anywhere he put me. He put me in at forward, on the account that I couldn’t really mess up up there. When I came off the field he chuckled at me and said I did something awful foolish...'I did good, and I’d play out there again.' I played much of the second half as wing, and played the rest of the season as a stopper. I absolutely loved the new experience, but come sophomore year I was back in goal and with the help of some experienced goalie trainers, I was doing much more than I ever imagined in high school. My soccer career at Blackburn has been a turbulent one, but as my senior year is right in front of me I am still excited to go and compete and give my best athletic performance.

Blackburn College is a very unique place. Most schools in the conference know about Blackburn’s work program, but over the next few weeks hopefully more people will get an in depth look at how it works and how it is a part of each student’s life here. This year I moved off campus into an apartment with my friend, classmate, teammate, and fellow captain Sara Hermanson. My classes this semester are very intense. I have 17 hours, Microbiology, Ecology, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Senior Seminar. Right now it feels like more than I can handle, but I’ve found that when you forget the feelings of being overwhelmed and take one thing at a time, it usually works out ok.

Erika Boeckmann
(about Erika)

Meet the Bloggers

The following student-athletes will write a blog entry once a week (or thereabout) throughout the fall sport season. We hope you enjoy the insight into the life of Division III student-athletes that their journal will offer.

Men's Cross Country
Coree Woltering
Greenville College
Sophomore
Ottawa, Ill.
Major(s): Biology Education


Women's Cross Country
Amber Dahlin
Principia College
Sophomore
Holyoke, Mass./Hartsbrook HS (a Waldorf School in Hadley, Mass.)
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Career Goal: Sustainable developer and photojournalist


Women's Soccer
Erika Boeckmann
Blackburn College
Senior
New Baden, Ill./Wesclin HS
Major(s): Biochemistry
Minor: Biology
Career Goal: “My future career goals include the possibility of research or quality testing in a laboratory or field setting. After I graduate Blackburn, I hope to enter a master’s program in toxicology, biochemistry, or microbiology/immunology. I am not completely certain what I want to do with the rest of my life but I love the idea of having a versatile, throughout education that may allow me to pursue a variety of scientific endeavors.”
Athletic Achievements: First Team All-Conference Goalkeeper (2008); Honorable Mention All-Conference Goalkeeper (2007); Academic All-Conference (2007, 2008); Team Academic Achievement Award (2007, 2008); Team Most Valuable Player (2008)

Sara Hermanson
Blackburn College
Senior
Beecher, Ill./Beecher HS
Major(s): Biology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Minor: Chemistry
Career Goal: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Athletic Achievements: Team Offensive MVP – 2007; Defensive MVP - 2008


Men’s Soccer
Kevin Vonarx
Fontbonne University
Senior
St. Louis, Mo./St. Mary’s H.S.


Women's Volleyball
Stefanie Larson
Webster University
Senior
Delavan, Ill./Delavan H.S.
Major(s): Advertising/Marketing
Career Goal: “I would be happy copywriting forever, but moving to a big city and owning my own agency would be pretty awesome. Or you know...creating a slogan or tagline that goes down in history!”
Other Intercollegiate Sports: Played softball as a freshman
Athletic Achievements: Recognized for three consecutive years for maintaining over a 3.5 GPA as an athlete