10 SportsUnion | SEPTEMBER 2017
10 SportsUnion | SEPTEMBER 2017
College
Soccer
When it comes to college , most freshmen are just trying to fit in . They are trying to get used to being on their own for the first time . Trying to get used college life .
By Matt Ondesko Managing Editor
As a college athlete freshman year could be a wasted year . Some freshmen are asked to redshirt , while others get so little playing time it ’ s like redshirting anyway . Not many college freshmen have impact years .
By the time they get accustomed to everything on and off the field the season as slipped away .
That ’ s what makes the freshman year by Canisius ’ Gretta Dry that much more impressive . While other freshmen were finding their way , Dry was making a name for herself for the Griffs . She appeared in 17 games with 14 starts .
The fact she was able to start so many games shows the type of player the soccer team was getting . Dry was a standout at Lockport High School and made the decision to come to Canisius when other schools were knocking on her door .
“ Freshman year was a whirlwind . It went by so fast but it was one of the best experiences in my life ,” stated Dry . “ I think a lot of my success came from my work ethic . I never gave up or settled . I didn ’ t start at first , which pushed me to even try harder . I was successful because I came out everyday wanting to prove more of myself .”
Used to starting during her career at Lockport , Dry had to get used to a
Determined different role . Coming off the bench isn ’ t easy for many players , especially if they are used to starting all the time . It takes a different mentality to come off the bench and contribute .
As a starter you have time to get in a flow of the game . When you come off the bench you ’ re asked to contribute right away . The only benefit of coming off the bench is you get to see the game from a different perspective .
You get to see the different things that other teams are doing , and then use those differences to your advantage .
“ Coming off the bench you get the opportunity to see the game play out . You can focus on the defense and how they play ,” stated Dry . “ Also , you get the chance to go into the game and fix all the mistakes the starters made .