After handily defeating an overmatched St. Joseph's last Saturday, the No. 5 Virginia women's soccer team (1-0) travels across the country this weekend to hostile territory, facing powerhouse No. 2 UCLA (1-0) today and Southern California on Sunday in the UCLA Tournament.
"We've always prided ourselves on tailoring our schedule to face the best competition," Coach Steven Swanson said. "It's important for our players to experience the game at that level."
Kelly Worden couldn't agree with her coach more. Worden, the Cavaliers' senior central defender, has repeatedly identified the team's season goal as reaching the final four.
Victories this weekend would certainly suggest they just might, and Worden, selected by her teammates to be the team captain, plans to be at the forefront of the effort.
On the field, Worden quietly and consistently displays the abilities that have garnered her a myriad of accolades, including Second Team All-ACC and ACC All-Tournament Team honors last season.
In the recent season opener against the Hawks, she led a back line that allowed only two shots on goal.
Swanson, who has called his defender "one of the most underrated players," recognizes Worden's abilities on the field as integral in Virginia's successes.
"Kelly is the kind of player that does so much for our team, but whom the average person might not notice," Swanson said. "She tackles hard, she's composed at the back, she very rarely makes mistakes, she wins balls, and she keeps the team together. When you look at our back line, I think we have a success because we have a strong leader at the back in Kelly."
Growing up in Texas, Worden began playing soccer -- "it seemed to stick," she says -- when she was 5 years old.
Over the years, as she improved and received increased recognition, early dreams of a college scholarship began to appear possible. When Virginia and then-coach April Heinrichs came knocking, Worden noted the soccer program's caliber and the University's academic reputation, and made known her intention to play for the Cavaliers.
Virginia proved a perfect fit for Worden, who raves, among other things, about the friendships she has formed, the school sporting events she attends as a spectator, and the outdoors activities that the region offers.
But it is Virginia women's soccer that has dominated much of Worden's collegiate experience. Now, in her final season, she recognizes the maturation she has undergone as a college player.
"Instead of being just a pure athlete who can run with the ball or win head balls, I have variety in my game -- I can play simple as well as risky, and I understand the times when to play which way," Worden said.
Praising Worden's work ethic, consistency, commitment and responsibility, Swanson notes she has steadily developed a more vocal presence on the team.
"It's harder for her to be as vocal as some people; she's not that kind of person. But she's taking more initiative in that regard," Swanson said. "She's taking more ownership of the squad. She's demanding more of others and herself. I'm excited because she's getting that confidence and is understanding how important she is."
On the road to what would be Virginia's first Final Four appearance, Worden plans to play consistently and serve as a leader for the rest of the team. Beyond college, she hopes to pursue a career in the Women's Professional Soccer League.
"Overall, soccer is just a part of me," Worden said. "It's something I do, day in and day out. It's something that I will always enjoy doing, and will always do for the rest of my life, in one way or another."
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