Seniors say goodbye to teammates, fans

Every year, there comes a point when good things must come to an end for seniors.

This year, three Indiana State women's soccer players - Amanda Gogel, Libby Knight, and Alyssa Ramsey - will be leaving the team.

Q: What are you going to miss most about ISU Soccer, or soccer in general? Ramsey: "Well, I won't be missing soccer in general, as it is always going to be a part of my life. However, I will undoubtedly miss ISU soccer. The bonding experiences, the drama, the family; that is what this experience has taught me. I have learned so much from this group of girls and just seeing them on a day-to-day basis is probably what I will miss the most." Knight: "What I am going to miss most about ISU Soccer is just being around my teammates every day, and just being able to see them and interact with them at practice. Being a part of an athletic team is really like having a family on campus, and these 29 girls and this coaching staff are my family here at Indiana State. What I will miss most about soccer in general is just being able to play."

Gogel: "I'll be missing soccer all around because I don't plan on continuing my career in this sport. I wouldn't mind later in my life to become a soccer or basketball coach. Not playing with the girls anymore is what I'll miss most about ISU soccer. I have made so many friends, some life long, while playing here. It has been a great experience for me and I'll never forget my memories playing here."

Q: What do you plan on doing after you graduate? Ramsey: "I am not too sure as to what I will be doing after I graduate. I never want to give up on the game of soccer, so I will take whatever opportunity presents itself for me to play. I plan on trying out for some teams within the U.S., and if that doesn't work out, I will definitely try to make some other team overseas. I will not give up on this game. Eventually, I would love to coach."

Knight: "After I graduate in May, I plan on attending graduate school in pursuit of a Master's in sport management, hopefully at the University of Illinois. I would like to work in a college athletic department, preferably in sport information and media relations. I love college athletics, so I would really like to stay involved with it."

Gogel: "Well, I don't know what I want to do when I graduate. I ask myself that question almost every day now. Not good. Whatever I decide to do, I'm sure I'll be fine. As of now, I'm going to enjoy my last few semesters of college and not worry about a job!"

Q: What did you learn while here, playing under coach Vernon Croft? Ramsey: "I have learned many things while playing under coach Croft. Unless you want me to reply with a novel, I will have to shorten my answers down. Above all else, I have learned to live with emotion. Most people tell you not to sweat the small stuff or to let certain emotions pass. However, Vernon has allowed me to play with every emotion that overcomes me and has shown me that it is okay to 'feel,' especially in the sport of soccer."

Knight: "While playing here under Vernon, I have learned a lot about character and determination. The coaching staff has also taught me a lot about work ethic and competitive mentality. The saying "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" is very true for collegiate athletics because it takes a huge effort to succeed at this level."

Gogel: "I've learned many things from Coach Croft. Vernon has made me into a better soccer player and person. He has also been a mentor to me. If I had any problems or questions I knew I could count on him being there for me. He'll do great at his job as assistant athletic director."

Q: What would you like to leave behind to your teammates, and to the fans? Ramsey: "I would like to leave a sense of drive behind for the remaining players of the team. No matter what happens, who coaches, who plays, or who becomes involved, I want these girls to stick together and realize they have a fantastic opportunity to succeed. And for the fans...WE NEED MORE! We need your support. Support a team that is fighting for the reputation of your school. And to those that do support the program, enough thanks could not be delivered. You guys are amazing. Thank you so much!"

Knight: "I would like to leave behind to the girls that if they continue to work hard during the off-season, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Valley in the years to come. To just remember to have fun and enjoy the experience while it lasts, because it will be over within a blink of an eye."

Gogel: "Like Alyssa said, we need more fans to come out and support us at our games. To the girls returning, next year is going to be different with a new coach and all. Stay together as a family, and you guys will just be fine. You will have great seniors next year that will lead you in the right way. Enjoy the years now because they fly by quickly!"

- Chris Hauger