Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Goal Post by Brian Dooley
10/28/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 28, 2003
Senior Citizens
My first year coaching at FAU in 1999 was an incredible experience. I was hired late in the spring and did not have much of a chance to recruit players. The roster I was given had 13 players and I had to find a couple of players around and managed to convince some other athletes from current teams to fill some holes. We finished 5-9-1 and 4-4-1 in the conference. The players worked hard and we made great strides during that season. It was also the team I had to show our new recruits.
My current seniors are the student-athletes that shared my vision of FAU Women's Soccer. They came to FAU to earn an education, play soccer and establish a tradition for future student-athletes to live up to. It has not been easy, but it has been an incredible experience for me. These young student-athletes have achieved beyond my expectations and they have challenged me every season. They are the reason for the success of our program.
Dee Dee Castro is an incredible person. She is a top student, a future educator who will inspire countless students in the years to come. She has earned my respect over the four years at FAU. What I will remember most about Dee Dee is her quiet look of confidence and half smile after making eye contact with her after another great performance. Either that, or her wonderful singing voice.
Krista Fine is the most inspirational person I have ever known. She is another fine student and she will be a fine teacher. I can only hope that there is another person in this world like her and I can only hope that I can find this person to play on my team. A soft spoken freshman that turned into a senior that will not be silenced! A great sense of humor and someone I will always cherish. What I will remember most about Krista is the pride she carries in every step.
Rhonda Jones will always be the heart and soul of FAU Women's Soccer. She has set the standard for all to follow. She embodies all the qualities that I hold dear in an individual. Her leadership qualities will take her far in this life. She inspires her teammates and her personality makes everyone at ease yet focused. She is what we call a "doer". Rhonda gets things done and with class. What I will remember most about Rhonda is the trust she has shown in me, and the absolute belief I have in her.
Molly Keating is the backbone of our program. She is a serious person who will do anything for her teammates. Her dedication and work ethic is an example for all who know her. Molly is an achiever who sets a goal and brings everybody with her. The four years of watching her has made me a better coach. I understand what it means to her and to her teammates. She has the ability to communicate through her presence. What I will remember most about Molly is her command of the situation and how she excels beyond expectations.
Jessica Kmiotek is persistence. She is a beautiful person with a sense of humor that seems to always hit me at the right moment. Usually a few minutes after she says something! She has grown as a student and a person. Through her experience at FAU, I know Jessica will achieve her goals. I know that when things get tough, she will be someone who will respond and someone you can count on. What I will remember most about Jessica is on her first road trip, she brought tuna fish and crackers on the van and it made everyone feint!
Lauren Lucena is the personality of FAU Women's Soccer. She will run through a defender, a goalkeeper or a goalpost for her team. She will also sacrifice anything for her friends. She is a person who accepts everyone into her family with open arms and will do this without hesitation. She will be successful in this world simply because she has the qualities that our society needs. She will climb mountains and make you climb with her. What I will remember most about Lauren is that I am not enough like her and that I wish I had the heart of this incredible person.
Lisanne Peart, Mama J. Like Jessica, she has dealt with injury and pain. She is a dynamic individual who gives so much more that she takes. She is a quiet and reserved person, most of the time! She is deep in her commitment and strong on her desire. She sees the game as a player, fan and student. She is a respectful person with insight that is uncommon. She is a caring person who always places her teammates first. I see it in her eyes everyday. I see the vision of an achiever. What I will remember most about Lisanne is her courage. Many would have faltered where she has risen.
I hope you have seen a glimpse of my seniors. My seniors. Thank you.
Brian
