2012 Soccer, A Historic Season to Remember

This year's soccer squad was something special. After making history by advancing to its second-straight NCAA Tournament, the Utah State soccer team had its season come to an end against top-seed and No. 2 ranked BYU, 2-1, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Provo on Saturday.  Utah State ends the season with a13-3-6 record which is the fewest losses in school history. This is the first time this season that the Aggies have allowed more than one goal in a match.

"I couldn't be more proud of this team. We kept going after them and forced them to do things that they weren't comfortable doing, and that was our goal. We had our chances and were the better team at times. It is hard for the season to be over, but I am so proud. They played so incredibly well," USU head coach Heather Cairns said.  Utah State will be saying goodbye to a trio of seniors in defenders Natalie Norris and Kami Montgomery and senior goalkeeper Ashlyn Mulford. The three ended their Utah State careers with a phenomenal 47-24-14 record during their four years.

We couldn't be more proud of the girls this season!!!

Senior Highlight

I can't believe we are at the end of the season and at the beginning of post season! Time sure does fly by.  And there are 3 people who would most certainly agree.  We have had the honor of having these 3 seniors as part of the Utah State program for the past four years.  They are one of the winningest classes in Utah State history with a  44-23-14 record so far.  They are also part of the first class to win a WAC Tournament and advance to the NCAA Tournament.  We wanted to highlight each senior by recognizing their accomplishments, reminiscing about memories, and by asking their two other classmates about each other.

Kami Montgomery #13

      Kami Montgomery is from Orem, Utah who has seen action all four seasons that she has been an Aggie.  She is a communicative disorders and deaf education major. Off the field, Montgomery has been active as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) president and a representative of the WAC SAAC. She has also been involved in numerous community service events across the Cache Valley.  
      She has been playing soccer since she was 8 years old. At first, she didn't really consider Utah State. Once her friend, Shantel Flanary, told her that she had committed, Kami started her communication with Coach Heather Cairns about recruiting.  She came on an unofficial visit and was sold.  She fell in love with the campus and knew it was the place for her.  She got to come up to Logan a lot during her senior year in high school and spend time with the team.  This confirmed her decision.      
     Being a senior, Kami has had some fond memories: "I loved Seattle my freshman year, we got to go to the space needle and see all sorts of neat stuff.  I also went to an aquarium (it is my dream to be a marine biologist so I loved seeing the sea animals).  We also went to the Saturdays market which was really fun.  We played University of Washington and Molli Merrill stopped a sick penalty kick!  The weekend was full of funny moments (our assistant coach Josh pulled into his parking spot really fast and popped the van tire) and it just made for a great weekend.  I also loved Portland my Sr. year because it was the first and only road trip my mom got to be there for so it was fun spending time with her and I fulfilled my dream of riding a tandem near a body of water!!! I got to go to the Saturdays market and ride the tandem around the river.  It was a blast!"
     Kami hopes people will remember her for: "I hope people will remember me for my sick dancing skills! Ha just kidding...but seriously I hope I was able to be not just a good teammate to my teammates but also a good friend.  I hope people will remember me for my love of the game and loving each moment with my teammates whether it was on or off the field."

What Ashlyn Mulford has to say: "Kam dog is my home girl ya know ha i cant dance like an animal unless i have my girl with me. Kami is one of those people that can just always make you laugh. She also someone that makes you wanna work harder and be better. Seeing her work ethic always made me want to do better, want to give it my all in every way possible."

Ashlyn Mulford #01

     Ashlyn Mulford is from Bountiful, Utah, majoring in art and waited patiently for her time to shine.  In her senior season, she has been a major part of the tough Aggie defense. She has earned WAC Goalkeeper Player of the Week a team-high five times this season.  Mulford has 7.5 shutouts this season, playing almost 1500 minutes. She is on the verge of setting the USU record for lowest goals against average with her current 0.50 GAA.  
     She started playing soccer when she was 9 years old. She really loved Utah State's campus when she came on her visit.  She loved the fact that Logan was far enough away from home but close enough that she could go home whenever she wanted to. 
     As a senior, Ashlyn has some fond memories too: "There have been a lot of really great places we have traveled. El Paso has gotta be on the top of the list fo sho haha jk. I would have to pick either Hawaii (obviously) or i also really enjoyed Seattle...but then i really liked Portland too hah. Its too hard to choose! Dang...Hawaii probably wins. The International market is so sweet. Purchased my authentic Hawaiian Uke. Got to swim with some sea turtles out in the ocean, and also got to try surfing (and no i couldn't do it). Ha. Apart from all the great places though it didn't really matter where we were. Whether it be El Paso or Hawaii it was always a blast because i got to be with like 20 of my best and closest friends. Being with my team is what made each place a great experience. We could find a way to have fun anywhere!"
      Ashlyn hopes people remember her for: " Oh you mean apart from my good looks, and charm?? I guess I want people to remember my amazing dance skills =) haha jk. I don't know really, but whatever it is i hope when they hear my name and remember me its something good and not like, ohhh yeah her...she was kinda um...weird. Ha jk I'm sure that's exactly what they will say! We'll just say hopefully its good and not bad!"

What Kami Montgomery has to say: "Ashlyn and I have this special bond...its call BFAB --> it means born from a beat box :D  We love to dance, no matter where we are, who we are with, we can always find a way to dance."

What Natalie Norris has to say: "Kami and Ashlyn. These two girls are some of the best people I have ever met. We literally have gone through so much together and they have always been there for me whether it's on or off the field. I would do anything for these two and I know they would do the same for me. I look up to both of them so much and I hope with all my heart that we stay in touch long after soccer is over."

Natalie Norris #19

      Natalie Norris is from Sandy, Utah, double majoring in nutrition, dietetics and food science as well as exercise science.  She is one of the most decorated Aggies in Utah State history. She has started in every match since coming to Utah State. Her current 82 matches played is seventh all-time at USU. She is the two-time defending WAC Defensive Player of the Year and has been named all-WAC twice. She is the anchor of the Utah State defense that has allowed only 10 goals in 18 matches this season. The senior has scored 11 career goals to go along with two assists for 24 points. In the classroom, she has excelled as well and is also a finalist for the Senior CLASS award and an academic all-American in 2011. 
     She started playing soccer when she was just 4 years old.  She chose Utah State because she loved the campus, the fact that it was far enough from home to be away but close enough that her parents could come watch, the feeling of the college town, the soccer program, and the majors they offered here.
     Natalie's memories: " Going to Hawaii, last year!! We got absolutely spoiled by the Miyashiros- their hospitality was incredible and we had so much fun together as a team! We got to spend time on the beach, shopping, swimming, and of course eating.

     Natalie hope people remember her for: "I hope to be remembered for my work ethic, my example, my heart, and being a good friend and teammate."

What Kami Montgomery has to say:"Nat keeps me level headed and grounded into reality which for me is very important. Nano is just a stinkin stud and has rightfully EARNED her spot from the get go and continues to work hard every single day (no matter how bad her legs hurt...which is STINKIN BAD)."

What Ashlyn Mulford has to say: "Nano that little smarty pants! Nano has been a baller since day 1 freshman year. It has been awesome playing with her these past 4 years. I have learned a lot from her, i know i wouldn't be the player i am today without her help. She has helped me to become better in many ways, on and off the field. Her love and passion for the game has always been inspiring to me."

In all reality, the team would not be the same without these tremendous seniors! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication! Lets go win that WAC Tourney and go do some Dancin in the NCAA!


Some ending thoughts....


    
 All three of us have been through so much together...Monday practices in the spring freshman year (yeah you guys know what I'm talking about ha). Or the practice after bear lake experience ;) haha. Good or bad we've been through it all together. I couldn't have asked for two better people to look up to these past 4 years. They really do feel like family (Kami is probably the adopted one). Ha jk. But in all seriousness I don't have a clue of what i would have done without them. love these two so much and thank them for everything that they have done for me. -Ashlyn Mulford

These two put their teammates first, they are amazing friends and have always been there not only for me but for the team....and when it comes to heart, they've got the biggest hearts of anyone I know.  These are two girls who won't settle for a loss, they will battle til the final whistle.  I love these girls with all my heart and they are two of my very best and closest friends and I really do believe that they will be lifelong friends. -Kami Montgomery

They have been examples to me in every facet of life and have influenced me more than they will ever know! Their dancing, their friendship, their sick skills on the soccer field; they legitimately have it all and they are both AMAZING girls. I love them sooooo much!!! And I cannot think of anyone else I would have rather spent my four years of college with :)"- Natalie Norris

Time for WAC

It has come to that time of the year! WAC play is here. The team is revving up for conference play.  The Aggie's start conference on the road this week, traveling to New Mexico State and Denver.  The team is re-grouping this week for a strong start in conference. 

The girls would also like to thank all those who helped us with our new bleachers.  They have been such a great addition to Chuck and Gloria Bell field. Thank YOU!!!!

Aggies Earn Way into History Books

Utah State soccer battled its way into the history books, earning its first tie against a ranked opponent with a 1-1 double overtime draw against No. 23 Washington Thursday at Chuck and Gloria Bell Soccer Field.  The Aggies are now 5-1-3 this season, earning a tie for the second straight match after tying Portland State 0-0 last week.

Coach Cairns challenged the girls this week. "I challenged the team this week and asked them who is going to step up and who is going to make a difference. We had a handful, tons of kids. I could praise every single player that stepped on the field and that is what it is going to take to win a Western Athletic Conference championship, and I feel like we've made great strides," USU head coach Heather Cairns said.

Congratulations girls! Now lets go get them Cougs!

Freshman's First Day

Aggies have been so hard at work on the soccer field this past weekend! We came back from Portland with a win against Eastern Washington and a tie against Portland State. The Ags improve to  5-1-1. Good job ladies!


We mentioned before, that we would post some thoughts from the freshman about their first day of class.  Let's be honest, we have all been there before! Being the new fresh meat to a school. It is an experience in itself.

 My first day of school was pretty dang scary. I went an hour early because I was scared I wouldn't find my classes. I was thirty minutes early to class... I am definitely not used to huge classes and the teachers not knowing me. I am used to knowing everyone's life story and being best friends with my teachers. But, it turned out to be really great. Interior design is really interesting and it's nice to meet new people everyday! I am getting the hang of it and am starting to love it! - Jamie Duke

 My first day of college was literally great! You could say I was pretty scared and didn't really know how to use the shuttle system, or know where any of my classes were, but I figured it out by the end of the day. I feel like a big girl doing things on my own, but I still sent my mother i picture of my first-day-of-school outfit! I'm pretty sure she cried. -Kaitlyn Wilcox


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Well my first day of school was actually rather fun! However, me and maris woke up late, literally rolled out of bed and left our room. Except there was a slight problem we hadn't thought of, and that was we didn't know how to use the shuttle system. we immediately called Nano for some assistance. But by the time we figured it out we were way late to class. Yes, our first day of class we were twenty minutes late! But after that little incident we didn't have to much of a problem finding our classes. But, school was fun I had a lot of homies in my classes, and they were passing out free ice cream! And you can bet I took them up on that offer, especially cause I didn't have time for break feast! well any who, my first day of school was quite confusing, yet thrilling all at the same time!  -Lexie Henrie


Basically me and lexie rolled out of bed and went to our 830 class wearing what we slept in. We missed like 3 shuttles because we weren't sure which one it was. I wasn't very nervous for the day and it wasn't very long but ya! -Maris Hamblin

 

My first day of college was much better than I thought it would be. I was terrified the night before that I wouldn’t be able to make it on time to my second class, or that I would walk into the wrong class. Every bad thing that could possibly happen went through my head that night. Once I got to school though it wasn’t bad at all. All my nerves went away and it just seemed like it was normal. Luckily I didn’t get lost and I took the correct shuttle. College is a lot different than high school, that’s for sure. My classes are pretty big so it is weird that I am not able to see all my friends that are in my same class. So far I like college a lot! -Natalie Stoven

 

My first day was pretty good, I would say. (although I still can't really comprehend that I am now in college). But I wasn't really that nervous or excited, just sort of there ha ha I did meet some new people but most of them were friends of friends and not just random people.  -Sam Curtis


My first day of school was a blur.  My thoughts were scattered as I walked through campus as a new college student.  However, my mind was dominated at times with fear of getting terribly lost.  Every face was a new face to me, but I knew that this was true for many others around me.  Overall,   
 the first day was a success.  I managed to make it through the day with handy dandy USU iphone app (which without it I would have been doomed) and I managed to meet some new people.  I think that's all a wee freshman like myself can ask for.  -Dani Gaztambide

   
 I wasn't really nervous for the first day of school, I was kind of excited! I walked into my first class and saw a couple people I knew so I sat by them, then met new people in my other classes. Walking around campus I ran into a bunch of people I know and some of the girls from the team. I found all my classes just fine and it was a great first day!  -Sara Lorscheider

The day began early for me. While many other new college students had the extreme luxury of sleeping in till a semi-decent hour, my day began at the crack of dawn...well more like 6:30 A.M., but still. I didn't mind though. The breeze as I biked to school was nice on my freshly sun-burnt face. I was feeling good and ready for the day. I could take on anything! Go on give me something! I'll do it! You want me to dance with a King Cobra? Where's the music, huh? Oh what else do want me to do? You want me to take the One Ring to Mordor? Give me some Mithril and...No wait! I'll go without it! 

That's how ready. 
I spent time the night before mapping out where I needed to be, and by when. English 1010. This building. This time. Managing family and business. This building blah blah...etc etc.  Everything that I needed was in the palm of my hand. Or I guess it was zipped up in my backpack, but it could have just as easily been in the palm of my hand. My warm, sweaty hand. (boys wanna hold it all day long. Word) So I biked around a bit till I found the right building. I was far too prideful to actually pull out the map I studied to find the location of the building. I didn't want it to be too obvious I was a freshman. I had to give myself some sort of a chance to get people to talk to me. 
Feeling like an absolute college kid, I locked up my bike and (I may or may not have) strutted into the building. Then all the sudden...
*Epiphany*(in Jeannie's mind) "I don't know what room my class is in. Shoot. Shoot. Okay. You're fine Jeannie. Not a problem. Just act like you know what you're doing! Confidence. Confidence is key. Hey look! He looks like a person that would be going to an English class....Ima just follow him real quick."
So I stalked this boy. Straight up stalked. But not scary stalking. So not too close on his heals where it would be obvious that I was watching his every movement, but not far enough away that if he sneezed I wouldn't be able to jump in with a creepy bless you. We walked into a classroom about fifteen minutes before class was suppose to start. I was being a good kid! Being early and what not. Ya know. Maybe I'd make some friends er something. Flirt with a cute boy. Hold hands with him if the time was right. Lock lips. Heck, maybe even get married. Who knows! I'm just saying, a lot can happen in a quarter of an hour. Then the teacher came in and began handing out papers. The whole while I just kept thinking, 
"This might not even be my class. What if it's not? I'll be in here and my actual class will be going crazy with worriment! They'll be all, 'where Jeannie at?' Then rumors will come into play, and they'll be something along the lines of "Oh Jeannie, I heard she really believed Hogwarts was a place and so she refused to go to any school that wasn't Hogwarts." "No way! I heard she refused to shave her legs so the soccer team killed her. They just up and killed her. Cold blood. There is an investigation going on right now."
Oh shoot. Now maybe I'm the one making up rumors. ANYWAYS.
I finally asked the teacher if I was on the roll. Turns out I wasn't, and I ended up being that awkward kid who gets up in the middle of class with everything in their hands, and just kind of scurries out of the room. Yup. That was me. First day. First class. First real college experience. 
Other than that though. My first day was full of happiness and memories. Full of stories that I can tell my children that will then tell their children and they will tell theirs, and so on and so forth, forever and ever! I also didn't have any homework my first day. Fantastic! However, now I do. Now I have lots. 
The name's Jeannie. And I am a Utah State Aggie. Cheers! 
P.S. Hogwarts IS real. I just know it.

Back 2 Skool

The Aggies returned home last night from their road trip to Nebraska.  The Ags returned with a win and a tie, improving them to 3-0-1.  The girls have little down time because today is their first day of school! Even though school is school, the girls are sure to be excited to get back to the social scene. Stay tuned for a blurb on the freshman's first day of college! But until then, here are some pictures of some adventures the girls had leading up to their first day back to school!

Such a good first impression!

The Ags LOVE their new bleachers!

A little volleyball action at Bear Lake! (maybe we need to play against the Volleyball Team)

Some well needed time off from two-a-days

A game that really tests your flexibility

Team Work!

Date night with the Volleyball Team! Such a fun Night!

Kabuki! Very impressed!

High Ho Rio Tinto

Our first in-season game is approaching very rapidly! The girls are hard at work, preparing for our game against Utah on Friday August, 17th at 7PM. We would like as many supporters as possible!!! Here is a link to Rio Tinto's webpage to purchase tickets in advance. They are only $5. If you have siblings, friends or family that are 18yrs or younger and they wear any soccer jersey to the game, they will get in for free! So come watch your Aggies take on the Utah Utes this Friday at Rio Tinto at 7PM!

Kickin' it into Gear!

The Aggies are in full swing! We have approached the second week of preseason and a lot is happening at the field! The girls are working so hard and are continuing to make their best better!!!! Along with the girls hard at work, there is a lot of progress being made on the field! Check out the new stands!!!

Learning to be an AGGIE!!!

That one special week, where anyone from ages 4-18 years old can come and learn what it takes to be an Aggie at the Utah State Women's Soccer camps, has come and gone! It was a fabulous week full of passing, dribbling, shooting, and of course a lot of "I'm a Star" jumps and popsicles! The coaching staff enjoyed the young enthusiasm and the campers enjoyed a great soccer atmosphere. What a great way to kick off preseason!!!

Coach Trevor instructing the Lil Aggies!

The coaches getting to know the campers!

I'm a STAR!

In Action.

In Action.

Campers and Coach.

AGGIES on 3. 1-2-3.....

After a long day of camp, they often find themselves looking at sunsets!

Only a week and a half left!! Let the count down begin!

New Coaches Come on Aboard

Utah State Women's Soccer is so pleased to announce Coach Alyssa Lowry as an Assistant Coach to the soccer staff, along with Coach Molli Merrill as an Undergraduate Assistant Coach. Go check out their press release! Welcome aboard coaches!!

Alyssa Lowry

Molli Merrill

Just Click on their names!

Better Than Your Better

AGGIES! It is that time of year again. Where all the hard work during the off-season will start to pay off! This is the time where you set yourself apart from others, where your team sets themselves apart from their opponents, this is when your BETTER becomes BETTER than their BETTER. Gotta love pre-season!

2012 Signees

Be sure to check out all the information about our 2012 class that just officially became Aggies.  http://www.utahstateaggies.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/020312aab.html

Here are a few photos from some of the incoming players HS and Club signing event.