While the big spotlight was on the opening of the new Kenneth Gill Stadium for the football team, the Green Terror Women’s Soccer team defeated Muhlenberg 1-0, improving to 5-0 on the season, the team’s best start since 2003.
For senior defender Claire Woolley, it was a moment to savor in her four years of playing for the Green Terror.
“We beat Muhlenberg at home with our largest crowd and over my four years playing in the program this was the first time we beat Muhlenberg.” Woolley said
Playing soccer has been Woolley’s whole life. She began playing soccer for a youth soccer program in her hometown of Ephrata, Pennsylvania at the age of five.
Woolley came to McDaniel after a stellar career at Ephrata Senior High School, where she spent four years on the varsity squad. In her junior and senior years, she was named team captain and an All-Academic.
Woolley says she chose to play soccer at McDaniel because she believed it gave her the best of both worlds.
“I knew I wanted to continue playing soccer in college and choosing to play Division III at McDaniel gave me the option to focus on my studies and play soccer.” She said.
At McDaniel, Woolley has found not only opportunities to focus on her studies, but a group of teammates that she adores.
“I am on a team with all of my best friends; we all get to spend time together all doing what we love.” Woolley said.
This year, the women’s soccer team is 6-5-1 so far in their first season under new coach Sandy Lagana. The team got off to a 5-0 start, their best start since 2003, which was also the last time they beat Muhlenberg.
“She has brought a new sense of competition and excitement.” Woolley said about what her new coach has brought to the table.
Like many athletes, Woolley has a few pre-game traditions she does before every game. In her case, these are handshakes, one with senior midfielder/forward Liz Beall, and another with her twin sister, starting goalkeeper Jan Woolley.
When she is not playing soccer, Woolley can be found spending most of her time in the art studio. A studio art major, she hopes to get a job as a secondary art teacher after she graduates McDaniel.
