Noah Godwin
Assistant Sports Editor
For some athletes, being named “Wave of the Year” would be a career highlight. For junior midfielder Lisa Steepleton, the achievement is just a springboard to even greater things.
Steepleton has already had by almost any standards an accomplished soccer career, but she says she’s not anywhere close to being finished.
Steepleton appeared in 10 matches last year, recording an assist against California State, San Jose.
A midfielder on a team blessed with several other talented midfielders, including freshman McKenzie Hill, Steepleton will have to battle hard to earn playing time again this year, but she says she’s up to the challenge.
“That’s what great programs are all about,” Steepleton said. “Every player has somebody else pushing for playing time, so we all know we have to play our best all the time.”
That type of attitude earned her the “Wave of the Year” award last year, an honor given each year to the player who best demonstrates qualities of a teammate both on and off the field.
Head Coach Tim Ward says he can’t imagine finding a player more representative of what this team is all about.
“She is one of the greatest expectations you’re ever going to meet,” Ward said. “The energy she brings to the team is invaluable. We all see her as carrying around a light with her all the time that always makes our days better.”
Steepleton said she has big expectations for the team this year.
“We have every opportunity to be great this year. We all get along very well on and off the field, and I think that will be a big reason as to why we will do so well this year.”
Injuries limited her to only three matches during her freshman year, so this year, the first she enters with experience, could be a productive one for her.
But she continues to focus squarely on the team.
“We have big goals for this season, but what we’re really trying to do is go one day at a time, one game at a time and see each opponent as yet another step in the process,” she said.
Steepleton also revealed a theme the team has developed for this season: “As we like to say, we’re slowly ‘climbing the mountain.’”
God Our Awesome Lord, or GOAL, has been a big part of her experience here at Pepperdine.
“We come together on Wednesday nights at 7:45 and hear a speaker and get to know each other,” she said. “And it’s open to both athletes and non-athletes.”
She came to Pepperdine from Littleton, Colo., where she attended Columbine High School.
One of the students the country watched with horror outside of the school on April 20, 1999, she said she definitely gained some perspective on what really matters in the midst of all the chaos.
“I was a freshman when it all took place,” she said. “It taught me how God uses everything for the good of those who love him.”
09-09-2004