@CanesFutbol Captain's Corner: Oct. 13, 2016
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – For the second year in a row, the captains of the University of Miami soccer team will be writing a blog for HurricaneSports.com throughout the season called Captain’s Corner.
Thursday, redshirt senior defender Shannon McCarthy gave her fifth entry of the 2016 season. The Brighton, Mich., native reflected on the team’s recent road trip, looked towards Friday’s match at No. 18 Clemson and shared one of the most important parts of her Miami experience . . .
Hello again, Canes fans! Thank you for checking out another Captain’s Corner blog entry.
We were humbled this past weekend. We took on the University of North Carolina Tar Heels on Thursday night in Chapel Hill. After scoring early in the first half we were in a dogfight the rest of the match. We ran out of time scratching and clawing for a goal. There were some positive aspects to take from the game so we kept our heads up.
The next day we took a flight to Pittsburgh. Sunday’s match against Pitt was cool, which was a nice break from the south Florida humidity. We sent waves and waves of attack against Pitt. The scoring opportunities were not in short supply. A matter of inches on several occasions was the difference between us scoring and not scoring.
After 100 minutes of play, we went into double overtime. The dangerous chances for us didn’t stop as we went into extra time. Near the end of the second overtime, the referee gave Pitt a penalty kick that resulted in a goal and decided the game against our favor.
During training this week, it was vital to stay positive. With a single game this weekend on Friday night, our focus is narrowed. We have one thing on our mind: beat Clemson. Our aim is to get back on track this weekend with a win on Friday night.
Recently, I have been asked what the best part of my college career was. Academically and athletically, the University of Miami has exceeded every single expectation I had. I never expected to double major and get my master’s degree in school, and I never saw myself becoming the athlete I am today. There are many different people in my academic and athletic support systems I am thankful for helping make such achievements possible. However, the absolute best part of my experience at the University of Miami thus far is the Athletes in Action Christian ministry (AIA).
I can confidently say AIA helped change the trajectory of my life for the best. The ministers here are magnificent people who have helped me reach my full potential in my sport through my faith. The principles I have learned through AIA give me the tools to approach my sport as a way of worship, using God’s gifts and blessings to the best of my ability with a fiercely intense competitive spirit. The impact AIA has made on my life inspires me to join the AIA staff after my playing days are over. I hope I can help make an impact on a college athlete’s life through AIA similar to how the ministry made an everlasting impact on my life.
