The Virginia women's soccer team is off to a strong start this season with convincing victories against quality teams West Virginia, Colorado and Arizona, earning the Cavaliers a spot in the national top 10. This success comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with the consistently competitive women's soccer program; however, one of the main contributors to this success may have come as a surprise.
Midfielder Sinead Farrelly has played a key role in Virginia's successful season while also adapting to life at the University as a first-year student. On most teams, newcomers generally play minimal roles upon their arrival, serving as reserves while watching their more experienced teammates do what they hope to achieve in the coming years. Farrelly, however, was thrown into the fire early and has flourished ever since.
The Haverford, Penn. native has started in all eight games, logging 537 minutes while scoring 4 goals and adding 2 assists. Overall she ranks second on the team in points (10), trailing only senior midfielder/forward Shannon Foley. The loss of junior forward Jess Rostedt to injury was a big setback for the Cavaliers, though Farrelly's strong play has ameliorated the situation. Since starting the first game of the season, Farrelly has been an offensive force while also playing tough defense to help the Cavaliers record seven shutouts.
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Farrelly's success is her effort to study and learn the game.
"What I've been pleased about is her willingness to open her mind up to learning," coach Steve Swanson said. "She's a real sponge, and to be a great player you have to have that thirst for knowledge."
While the promptness of Farrelly's production was not expected, coaches knew it would eventually come. A highly touted recruit -- ranked No. 7 in the nation by soccerbuzz.com -- Farrelly was a tremendous player at Haverford High School. She was a member of the U-20 National Team Pool, a 2006 NSCAA Youth All-American and a four-time team most valuable player.
"We knew what we were getting," Swanson said. "I think she is an extraordinary player, and she is only going to get better."
Farrelly has been a huge asset to Virginia on both sides of the ball, helping boost a dynamic offense that has scored four or more goals in three of its last four games while also assisting a defense that has secured five consecutive shutouts. The 5-foot-6 midfielder is improving every day, and Swanson expects this trend to continue.
"She's getting better and better every game," Swanson said. "On the field she's been a leader with what she's done on both sides of the ball. She's already made a huge impact on our team."
As a freshman, Farrelly is aware of her inexperience at the collegiate level and is learning all she can from elder teammates.
"I still definitely look up to the older girls," Farrelly said."I still feel like a first-year in many cases.Hopefully as I get older and improve my skills, I can become a leader on this team."
If her past is any indication of her future, this is a definite possibility.
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