June 11, 2009
Navysports.com recently caught up with rising senior Beth Reed, who was recently named the fourth goalkeeper and 17th player to don the captain's band in Navy women's soccer history.
What was your reaction to finding out you were voted team captain?
I was surprised, excited, and humbled - It's an honor, and any of my classmates would do a great job, and I am lucky to get the chance to lead such a great group.
What can you say about the mark last year's senior class made on the program. Has their leadership helped yourself and your fellow Class of 2010 members in preparing to take over as team leaders?
The class of 2009 left a great legacy, winning more games than any other class over their four years. All eight of them gave something different to the team, on and off-the-field, and we will definitely miss them. My classmates and I have been lucky to have seen some great examples of leadership not just from the Class of 2009, but also from '08 and '07.
Every class and team has their own personality, style and approaches things differently. I think we have all seen leadership styles we like and don't like at the Academy over the last three years, and those experiences will definitely shape the way each of us acts and the way we will lead as a group next year.
What can you tell me about your fellow classmates and what they bring to the table?
We're a small group, we all definitely have our own different personalities, but when it comes to soccer and the team, we are on the same page and want to win and be successful as much as anyone. We are lucky to have been here for the first round NCAA Tournament win in 2006 and know just where the bar has been set.
Also, I think it's a little ironic that all four of us play different positions - Brittany (White) has been playing up top, Jen (Grijalva) in the middle, Shelly (Moeller) defense, and me as a goalkeeper. We are a pretty competitive group, so I think it will be good to have that attitude present literally all over the field in the fall.
You've appeared in 24 games over the last three seasons as the team's primary backup. Last season in particular, you saw significant time highlighted by a great effort in a double-overtime win over Holy Cross. How excited are you about the chance to move into a starting role this fall?
I've been lucky to have had the chance to train with Lizzie and the other NWS keepers the past three years. It was nice last year to get some experience against some great opponents, and I'm sure those experiences will help me transition into a different role this fall.
I have had a lot of opportunities to see the field as a backup and I'm thankful for that and hopefully those experiences will pay off this fall. However, I love competition and really am looking forward to the season and taking on a bigger role.
What were your general impressions on how the team fared during the spring season? How important was it for you personally to get that work in as the No. 1?
The spring was a good opportunity for some people, including myself, to get some experience before going into the fall. We are told not to judge the spring on wins and losses, but on individual and team growth. Of course there is always room for improvement, but we definitely saw some strides individually, and with our team pressure. For me personally, it was a good chance to transition back to soccer after spending the winter playing for the women's basketball team.
Speaking of basketball, how did that come about and what was that experience like? What can you tell me about your background in basketball?
I had played basketball my whole life before I came to Annapolis. I knew I would miss it in college, but I chose to continue playing soccer instead. When I saw there was a coaching change in the basketball program here, I thought it may be a good time to try to walk-on. I talked to Rob and Carin first, and they said that if it was something I really wanted to do, to go for it.
The basketball coaches were open to the idea of a late try-out, and were great at meeting with me for individual workouts in the fall when my schedule was crazy with soccer and school. Even though I stepped in after missing all the preseason workouts, the team was great and very accepting. It took a while to get some skills back since I hadn't played a competitive basketball game in over three years, so that was a bit of a challenge.
Overall, the experience was great, and I plan on doing the same thing next year if it all works out again. We only get four years of NCAA eligibility, and I plan to use them to the max!
This past winter, Reed, a three-year letterwinner on the soccer team, played in five games with Navy's women's basketball team and earned the Most Improved Player award.
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Being from Indianapolis, is there anything that you miss from home? Were there any significant adjustments for you to Academy life?
At first, it was hard to be far from my family and friends, but I've gotten used to the distance. I miss the people and atmosphere of the Midwest, but it's been good to get away and experience another part of the country.
I got to go to the Indy 500 this year for the first time since I've been in college, so that was fun, and I'm still a huge Colts fan, even though I've learned that there's still a lot of hate around the Baltimore area due to the Colts move from years ago.
What drew you to come to the Naval Academy? Favorite part of life as a Midshipman?
The fact that it is a totally different experience than anywhere else. I knew that I wanted to play Division I athletics at a good engineering school, but the whole military aspect seemed like a lifestyle that I would like. My favorite part of life as a Mid would have to be seeing the sunrise every morning of preseason (a little sarcastic, but it is pretty!).
Most memorable moment as an athlete at Navy?
NCAA Soccer Tournament 2006, getting to play against North Carolina.
Individual & team goals for the 2009 season?
Beating Army, winning the Patriot League, and making it to another NCAA tournament. As a goalkeeper, of course the goal is for every game to be a shutout as well.
## GO NAVY! ##
