LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (October 6, 2008) -- There is an old saying that records are meant to be broken. This has held true for the Lincoln women's soccer team. In her first year for the Lions after a successful high school career, sophomore midfielder/striker Shaynita Blanchard (Portmore, Jamaica/Archbishop Carroll) (Portmore, Jamaica/Archbishop Carroll) tied a university record previously held only by Tia Redden (New Castle, DE/St. Elizabeth's) with seven goals in one season. University
Just as Blanchard was the standout freshmen last year, another has risen up to continue the tradition of breaking records. Freshman business major Stephanie Anderson (Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville Area HS) (Coatesville, PA/Coatesville) has shattered Blanchard's and Redden's record held by scoring for 14 goals during a season that has included a Sports Illustrated worthy five goal game against Trinity (DC) on September 8.
When Blanchard broke Redden's record, the senior did not give the first-year player a bad time. Blanchard has been graceful towards Anderson as well noting that the publicity and record setting can only help the team win.
“Whatever we have to do for the team to win, that's what we have to do,” explains Blanchard. “I think she can go far. If she continues to with it and stay focused, she will be good.”
There is no reason for Blanchard to feel bad as she has continued her success from last year for the Lady Lions. She has quietly scored seven goals and one of her career highlights came on Saturday afternoon. In a 7-2 win over the College of St. Elizabeth's, Blanchard and ironically enough, along with Anderson produced a hat trick.
After a successful freshmen season, even the most talented athletes may come upon the dreaded sophomore slump. Blanchard has done the opposite with her version of a sophomore jump. Perhaps an unconventional way of playing soccer has increased her growth on the field.
“This semester I came back thinking I'm going to at least tie (record) it or do better,” Blanchard said. “I think I have a different perspective of everything because at home I play on an all boys team. So, I think playing with boys, you kind of get a better understanding of the game.”
It's also been a team success as well as the team has compiled a record of 4-7-1 after winning two games last year. With six games remaining including Tuesday's road match at Columbia Union at 5:00 p.m., there is still hope of finishing with .500 record. Improvements on the field and most notably a more unified team according to Blanchard is the reason for the two win improvement.
According to head coach Francine Taylor, there is more to Blanchard then just scoring goals and breaking records. It's Blanchard's versatility that makes her so dangerous.
“Shaynita Blanchard (Portmore, Jamaica/Archbishop Carroll) has been a valued member of the women's soccer team since last season,” Taylor said. “She has proven to be a versatile player with a high skill level achieved from many years of playing soccer. I know that I can rely on her to fill any position as it becomes necessary. She has a knowledge and instinct in every area of the field.”
There is also this business of carrying around a bag that displays a comedic side of Blanchard.
“I tend to get hungry a lot,” explains Blanchard. “So, I always have candy, chocolate, Gold Fish, everything. Everybody always comes to me for snacks.”
Much like her team first attitude, the energetic Blanchard does not mind sharing the wealth.
“Sometimes, if they ask no problem,” she says jokingly.
Along with the snacks, Blanchard's family has also provided their own support for the whole team. Her family has a history in soccer so they are right at home as designated team parents.
“They are very supportive,” Blanchard said. “From growing up, they always have supported whatever me and my sister decided to do.”
When looking at how fast two years has gone and the two years she has left in her college career, Blanchard has high standards for herself. For the health promotion and psychology major who has dreams of playing professional soccer and becoming a sports psychologist and manager, her goals extend well beyond the soccer field.
“On the field, I want to break records and do what's best for the team,” says Blanchard. “Off the field, get a 4.0 (G.P.A) and keep it that way.”
There is a quote that Taylor makes her players memorize on discipline. Blanchard has mastered the quote and has been successful juggling the task of being a student and playing soccer
“Discipline is based on pride or meticulous attention to detail and or mutual respect in confidence,” Blanchard states. “Discipline must be a habit so engrained that it is stronger than the excitement of a goal or the fear of failure.”
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