Texas Tech Soccer Journal
October 03, 2002 | Women's Soccer
Oct. 3, 2002
Texas Tech soccer players Carrie Jones and Jordan Wicker talk wrote about their experiences on the Red Raider soccer team this season.
Carrie Jones is a Freshman defender from Watauga, Texas...
My first impression of Texas Tech was that it is overwhelming. Just like any other freshmen did, I was pretty nervous at first. I wasn't sure of what to expect when I first came, but everybody on the team made me feel right at home from day one. The first time I got a chance to play was against West Texas A&M. I was so nervous, but as soon as I was on the field, I felt comfortable right away. This team is just absolutely amazing. I have never been around girls who felt like family to me, and I would have to say this whole soccer team has become family. I have made friends with some of these girls that will last a lifetime. Traveling has put me behind in some of my classes, but it has all been worth it. The memory that sticks out the most would have to be just bonding with the team (especially the freshmen). Last weekend when we were at College Station, the freshmen tried to stick Catie Aresenault in the closet, and ever since then it has been a never-ending war between all of us. This past weekend, Catie took Megan Knauss's soccer cleat before our OU game. Megan was pretty upset at first, but we all laughed about it later. I am really excited to finally be home, and to be able to play in front of some Red Raider fans. Don't get me wrong, I love the Road Trips, but there is no better feeling than playing under the lights on your home field. Even though we are 2 and 8, I want everyone to know that we are keeping our heads up, and not losing faith. I hope everyone believes as much as we do that we can turn this season around for the better. Go Red Raiders!!! Guns Up!!!
Jordan Wicker is a Sophomore defender from Euless, Texas...
I am a sophomore that has had set backs since my rookie year; due to shoulder surgery in the spring of 2002. This injury prolonged my ability to prove that I was a starter. I was given the opportunity to face adversity and play a team player role. I sat out the majority of the opening season. With seven games into the season I was able to prove my ability and was given a starting spot in the game against Florida Atlantic. I was psyched and could not wait to help my teammates. I knew that I would be faced with pressure from all sources coaches, fellow teammates and myself. But like I have done a million times I just played the game. No expectations too set just play solid and do my job that has been assigned to me. This game was also special to me in other ways than just seeing the field; I received my first career goal. It was a free kick that was about fifty yards out that I was able to take. Coach called my name from the bench and gave me the go to sign; much like in baseball. We were down by one and three minutes till halftime, I struck the ball well and it went right over the keepers head. I was pleased with the goal and it felt great to have the chance to help my team out. Not only are we a team but family members in a sense. Each teammate is much like a sister; the upper classmen being older sisters and the freshmen being the younger one. Pranks come with every rivalry; one in particular is that of which the freshmen have with a junior. This junior has had to defend herself while being attacked by several little sisters at a time. The little sisters have attempted to push the junior into a closet, and I am sure this sisterly love will only grow with every out of town trip. Though revenge is sweet the junior got even with the ringleader. Five minutes before departure for the OU game the freshmen was searching for a missing cleat, "Has anyone see or picked up and extra cleat?" Well the junior came clean and I think a truce has temporally taken effect, though I am waiting for the next prank to follow.
