Women’s Soccer Feature
Since its inaugural season in 1995, USC women’s soccer has been pursuing the means to achieve a winning tradition. Over the last 12 seasons the Lady Gamecocks have registered a record of 111-106-20. The 2007 edition of the Lady Gamecocks are off to a record start, winning their first seven games, racking up a host of superlatives and national recognition. Though each year of women’s soccer brings varying highs and lows, the program maintains a distinct culture that goes beyond wins and losses.
Lydia Scrofani, a women’s soccer alumni from 2001, recalls the program’s transition, especially through a time of leadership changes.
“Players began to lose respect for the coaching staff and team chemistry was lacking. By the time I was a senior, [coaches] Shelley and Jaime Smith were picking up the pieces,” Scrofani said.
With the new coaching staff in 2001 came knowledge of more than soccer according to Scrofani.
“[Shelley and Jamie] sincerely care about their players and support them throughout their career and years afterward,” Scrofani said.
2006 All-SEC defender and current SEC Defensive Player of the Week, Blakely Mattern echoes Scrofani’s sentiments.
“Having Shelley and Jamie Smith as our coaches is awesome,” Mattern says. “They are married, which makes them seem like our second parents or parents away from home. We, as players, can call them at anytime with any kind of question or problem, and we know they will do everything they can to help us.”
With the right set of values in place, players past and present recognize the impetus for success is with the current squad.
“I think they have the right type of kids at USC now,” Scrofani says. “When you get a group of committed athletes who understand what it is like to sacrifice, work hard for one another and above all respect their coaches, success will soon follow.”
Mattern, a South Carolina native, is mindful of the challenge to maintain a high level of play. Last fall the women beat the first ranked opponent on the road, were undefeated at home, made the SEC tournament for the second time and advanced past the first round for the first time, Mattern said.
“Last season was a huge stepping stone for us,” said Mattern. “To receive any kind of respect in this game, you have to earn it and to do that you have to consistently get results year in and year out.”
While the program’s recent success has captivated Gamecock nation, the optimism is not limited to the 2007 season. Kevin Heise, USC Class of 1993 alumni and 27-year veteran of Columbia area soccer, can attest to the program’s potential.
“I see no reason for the USC women's program not to be a consistent contender in the SEC,” Heise says. “USC has a quality facility and a solid coaching staff, and they have really started to turn the corner as evidenced by their opening win against perennial power UNC.”
Only time will tell if the 2007 Lady Gamecocks achieve their goals. Whatever the outcome, there is commitment to excellence that transcends not only the game, but time as well.
