Lehigh University Athletics
Three different roads, one ultimate goal
10/7/2010 8:23:00 PM | Women's Soccer
“I can't believe it has already been four years,” said Lehigh goalkeeper Lauren Mains. “It feels like yesterday that Glynn, Lena and I were freshmen in Dravo ordering supreme pizzas in the lounge. Our relationship has really grown stronger throughout our experience at Lehigh and I couldn't ask for two better teammates, or friends.”
The Lehigh women's soccer team is led by a trio of senior captains - Mains, Lena Cannon and Glynn Fitzer - who have certainly made their mark on the program.
“The first words that come to mind when I think of Lena, Glynn and Lauren are dedication, hard work and great soccer players,” said first-year Lehigh head coach Eric Lambinus. “They are the exact type of student-athletes I would look to recruit here at Lehigh and I'm lucky to have them as seniors on my first team.”
Great wins and sensational individual performances have been abundant for these seniors, but one thing is missing - that elusive Patriot League Championship. With less than a month remaining in the final regular season of their careers, they have their goals set on winning the school's first-ever league championship in women's soccer. But no matter what transpires, the three will be remembered for their undeniable impact on the program, both on and off the field.
“Winning the Patriot League Championship would mean everything to our team,” said Mains. “Winning it as a senior would be icing on the cake. The team we have this year has the talent, determination and passion necessary to achieve it.”
“Just by our team chemistry,” said Cannon when asked why this could be the year for their first championship. “This has been a great year, on and off the field. We're connecting passes and doing really well on the field. We also have that fight where we're so excited to get out there and play.”
When asked what lured them to Lehigh, two common denominators were consistently mentioned - superb academics and great location.
“I came to the soccer camp the summer before my senior year and really enjoyed it,” said Mains, who is one of five Mountain Hawks from New Jersey. “After visiting, it seemed like the right fit. Not to mention it wasn't too far away from home.”
Fitzer, who's from Illinois, saw a great opportunity to play Division I athletics while receiving an education from a prestigious academic institution.
“Lehigh offered a balanced opportunity to participate in competitive athletics while at the same time, providing an invaluable education,” she said. “I was also interested in expanding my horizons geographically, and I knew Lehigh's eastern location would allow me to explore a different area of the country.”
The trio had a memorable first collegiate season as the Mountain Hawks went 7-7-5, including a 2-1 upset over Michigan State. That was one of many great wins, but the most memorable game for the group was their first collegiate contest.
In a 2-0 season-opening win over Quinnipiac, Fitzer scored the first goal and Cannon added the second while Mains entered in relief to preserve the shutout. It was evident from day one that they would not be fazed by the big stage.
Fast forward to 2010, a season which has seen Lehigh return its eight top scorers, along with Mains – the workhorse – in goal. In fact, Mains played every minute in goal last season and the first eight games of 2010.
One thing that changed, though, was the head coach. Lambinus was named the new leader of the program last February and the transition has been flawless.
“It has been a great transition,” said Cannon. “You're nervous at first not knowing who your coach is going to be. He came in at a good time because we worked with him for the entire winter and spring [which is] huge. He got to know the players well and we got to know him, so it's been a really good transition.”
Cannon, Fitzer and Mains were named co-captains prior to this season. With it came added responsibility, but also an opportunity to become even closer with each other.
“Being named captain with Glynn and Lena has been a fulfilling experience,” said Mains. “We've been together since freshman year and being co-captains now is such a great way to end our career. We are also so lucky to have Lauren [Glazebrook], Liz [Carlos], and Natalie [Hojnacki] back for their fifth years because they bring so much to the team and are just fun to be around.”
With a new coach and new captains, the team hasn't missed a beat, jumping out to its best start since 2005 with only one loss heading into October. And that came to Dayton in overtime, a team which posted a flawless 16-0-5 record heading into the NCAA Tournament last year.
With still a lot of soccer to be played, anything can happen. However, one thing is certain. The trio will undoubtedly enjoy success in their postgraduate careers, no matter what avenues they choose. All three have posted strong GPA's while balancing the demands of soccer at the same time. Cannon and Fitzer are both psychology majors while Mains is majoring in journalism and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field.
Although she's not 100 percent certain on her postgraduate plans, Fitzer learned much more than x's and o's in college. She learned a simple lesson.
“My career goal is very simple,” she said. “I want a career that makes me happy. Money is nice and all, but I've realized throughout my years at Lehigh that it will be more important to wake up every morning knowing I'll be putting my effort into a career that I genuinely love.”
“My career goal is very simple,” she said. “I want a career that makes me happy. Money is nice and all, but I've realized throughout my years at Lehigh that it will be more important to wake up every morning knowing I'll be putting my effort into a career that I genuinely love.”
Cannon's plans are a little more concrete; she hopes to apply to graduate school to further her education. She one day hopes to work in school psychology, which consists of evaluating children to determine the kind of treatment or counseling needed. The academics at Lehigh have helped put her in position to achieve those goals.
“Lehigh has just been so demanding,” said Cannon. “Coming in as a freshman, there was a huge transition from high school. You learn so many things – you learn how to study and what to study. Each year, I can see the maturity level in myself increase, whether it be in studies or normal everyday activities.”
However, the three don't want to get ahead of themselves; they still have time to make memories at a place they've called home since 2007.
“I will remember Lehigh as my absolute home away from home,” said Fitzer. “Going to school such a distance from my hometown really forced me into building a new life here, and although it was scary at first, I think it really forced me to grow into a successfully independent person. The memories are many and the regrets are few. I'm happy I chose to spend these four pivotal years of my young life at a place that brought so much to my life.
“My favorite part about Lehigh is the friends that I've made here,” she continued. “I don't know what I would have done without the compassionate people that have helped get me through the ups and downs of a college student's life. I'm eternally grateful for the friendships that I've formed here, and the lessons that I've learned from these friends.”
For Cannon, she has no doubt what will stand out the most - her senior season.
“I've played since I was four years old,” she said. It will be strange not playing anymore. I've been enjoying my senior year so much and will remember every aspect of it.”
The trio hopes to make one final lasting memory on the field. Fitzer knows for them to win a league championship, they need to take it one day at a time.
“Winning the Patriot League Championship is the ultimate goal, but to be honest, it's all about taking it one game at a time,” she said. “Our team has worked so hard to get to this point in the season and it has already been very rewarding getting the results we have from the effort we've put in.
“That being said, that's the reason why I believe this group of girls has what it takes to come out on top this year,” she continued. “If we continue plugging away game by game, on and off the field, mentally and physically, and with all the heart I know we have, there's nothing that can stop us.”
Women's Soccer: Weekend Preview, Oct. 7, 2010
The Mountain Hawks host two crucial Patriot League games at the Ulrich Sports Complex this weekend. They face defending league champion Colgate on Friday (7 p.m.) and Bucknell on Sunday (1 p.m.).
Sunday marks the team's annual Senior Day. Cannon, Fitzer, Mains and fifth-year seniors Carlos, Glazebrook and Hojnacki will all be recognized prior to the game. The Mountain Hawks will be wearing special pink jerseys for their Pink Game to help promote and raise funds for breast cancer awareness. Fans can help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer by purchasing a pink Lehigh t-shirt. They are on sale at Lehighsports.com and will be available at the merchandise table on Saturday. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to Susan G. Komen for the cure.
Prior to that contest is a Friday night showdown against defending league champion Colgate. The Raiders have struggled this season, coming in at 3-9 and 0-1 in conference play, but have played a challenging schedule. Lehigh topped Colgate, 4-1, last season to hand the Raiders what proved to be their only conference loss of the season. Overall, the Mountain Hawks are 5-14-1 against Colgate, but have won three of the last five meetings.
Intrastate rival Bucknell heads to town on Sunday. Predicted second in the preseason poll, the Bison have had a similar season as Colgate thus far, but have turned it around of late. They come in with a 3-10 record, having won their first Patriot League game over American last weekend. Bucknell leads the all-time series with Lehigh, 11-7-2, but Lehigh is 4-2-1 over the last seven meetings.
Fans who can't make it can watch both games live on Lehighsports.com with Steve Lomangino and Jeff Tourial on the call.
Check back to Lehighsports.com for everything Lehigh Women's Soccer and Lehigh Athletics.
Feature Story by Justin Lafleur, Lehigh Media Relations
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