2008 Woodie Awards
Senior goalkeeper leads on and off the field
Senior goalkeeper offers team a steady, dedicated presence
George Pike
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After a red card late in the game, the No. 2-ranked Seattle Pacific coach gave his best goal scorer the chance to add to the lead. The player blasted a rocket, and Amanda Nelson made a diving save to the left of the net.
One of 10 saves on the day for Nelson came at a price though. She reignited a previous ankle injury and was pulled out of the game.
Seattle Pacific Coach Chuck Seykra just shook his head afterward, telling Western assistant coach Kevin Plechel, "Great save, that was a well-kicked ball."
Western Head Coach Rod Fretz has come to realize that Nelson does not let anything stop her from getting something done.
"I have learned from Amanda's attitude that there is something to enjoy about competing and the team environment every single day, even on the down days, or days where the team loses," Coach Fretz said.
Nelson is a two-year starter on the Western soccer team that has an 8-12 record. Her record as a goalie is 9-13-1. She has made 132 saves in 37 games played. She has a goals-against average of 2.21 in her last three seasons.
Nelson has played soccer since she was 5 years old and on year-round teams since she was 11 in her hometown of Milwaukie, Ore. Nelson became a goalie after a coach gave her some suggestions.
"A coach said that I have quick reactions and thought that I would make a good goalkeeper," Nelson said. "Once I started the position, I found that I loved jumping and diving on the ground and getting dirty."
Nelson was recruited by other schools but was intent on coming to Western because of the teaching program. She is a health major with a minor in sports leadership.
One thing that has hampered Nelson at Western has been concussions because of hard hits from forwards on opposing teams. This is something that has caught the eye of backup goalie Ally Meyer.
"We have learned a lot of perseverance from her. Working through it [injuries] and putting through a lot of effort to do so," Meyer said.
Fretz echoes those comments.
"She has been down a tough road, due to her concussions, over the past two years, but still approaches every day with a positive, 'can-do' attitude," Fretz said.
Younger players on the team, such as freshman goalie Chelsea Miller, know that when she needs advice, Nelson is the person to find.
"She is really supportive. She won't hesitate to give me help," Miller said.
Middle player Liorah Riutzel feels that Nelson is a great leader to the team.
"She is the strong, silent type that leads by example. Sometimes she gets hyper and is like the clown," Riutzel said.
Nelson, when not playing soccer, loves all other sports, amongst other things.
"I play basketball, tennis, softball. I also love listening to music, reading, watching movies and hanging out with friends," Nelson said.
After Nelson earns a degree at Western, more schooling will follow as she pursues a master's degree in public health.
Will Nelson continue to play soccer after her last game against Northwest Nazarene this week?
"Of course I will continue to play. I have had several concussions in the past two years, so I will take a break and give my body time to heal. I also want to coach goalkeepers," Nelson said.
Hopefully, future teaching will include some of Nelson's can-do attitude. We can all benefit from that.