The AUR She-Wolves Take Home Third Place Trophy!!

April 12, 2007: One of the most difficult things for an athlete to overcome is going down early in a game. The ability to remain focused, continue to play and work hard until the last seconds of game are what true champions are made of. The She-Wolves have managed to get past early setbacks twice in this first annual Roman University Tournament series, ultimately taking the third place trophy.

It was a rough start to the season- only one player from the previous semester's squad remained and in addition to learning how to play as a team, some of the girls were actually learning how to play soccer for the first time ever. Yet the girls perservered through losses and entered the quarterfinals of the tournament determined to go on.
After going down early 2-0 to Luiss, the girls rallied at halftime, ultimately winning the game 4-2. Unfortunately, the semi-finals put the She-Wolves face to face with the eventual champions, IUSM.
However, the She-Wolves bounced back from the loss, determined as ever to take the third place trophy in their last game against Malta.

The final game was played indoors, a new venue for all teams. The She-Wolves quickly adapted to the differences and began to play their game. After going down 1-0, the She-Wolves retaliated with a beautiful goal by Madeline Pieper. Soon after Malta scored again, but after a series of beautiful passes around the Malta defense Carrie Hubbard netted the tying goal for AUR. The tense game continued tied until the final minutes. Carrie Hubbard once again brought the ball down the field for the SheWolves. The two wingers drew their defenders out to the boundaries creating an open alleyway. Without hesitating Hubbard fired a shot not even the most professional goalie could stop: 3-2, She-Wolves. But the game was not over. Malta called a time out and strategically placed their best player and leading scorer up top. Now the She-Wolf game was one of defense. The final minutes dragged on until suddenly the sharp three blows of the whistle
cut through the air. The American University of Rome She-Wolves had
won third place in the first ever university female soccer tournament in Rome.

As the captain of the squad for the past three semesters, it was an honor to play with these girls; I've learned so much from each and every one of them. This trophy is a result of every single girl who has passed through the team in the past year. We started this team last Spring and in the Fall entered the tournament. Every semester the team has consisted mainly of study abroad students who, unfortunately, have to leave us after only one semester. Yet this trophy could not have been ours without any of them. I would like to thank the girls and the coaches from the first ever season of the She-Wolves, as well as the girls from Fall 2006 who we began the tournament with. And I would like to thank the girls from this semester for all of their hard work, patience and talent they brought to the team. Each one of you should be very proud of your accomplishments.

The 2007 AUR She-Wolves, 3rd Place Team:

Aida Aguagdo
Michi Cabrera
Christina D'Angelo
Dara Freeman
Joan Gill
Annna Griffis
Carrie Hubbard
Madeline Pieper
Anastasia Safarian
Gina-Marie Semkiw
Bethany Stave
Lindsey Taylor

Coaches: Michael Park and Antonio Illiano

A special thanks to Stefano Stoppaccioli for all of his support, and to Professor Lynch and his daughter for their constant support and attendance at our games. I would also like to wish Annna Griffis luck; she will be taking over as captain of the She-Wolves when I graduate in May. I'll be waiting for the news of next year's first place trophy!

-Joan Gill, Captain AUR She-Wolves

She-Wolves pose for a team picture after winning 8-2
against Malta/Biomedico on 27 Nov 06

The She-Wolves Make History!
By: Amelia Angel

When we all thought the season was off to a rough start, the she-wolves gritted their teeth and finished it in great style, bringing home their third consecutive win against non other than their arch rivals: John Cabot University’s she-gladiators. This game not only achieved an astonishing result but more importantly was a historical event. This was the first She-Wolves’ victory against the She-Gladiators.

On Monday December 11, 2006, the She-Wolves showed off their talents playing their game. Under coach Michael Park’s instructions, the girls played calmly and skillfully.

During the first half of the game, the She-Wolves kept their cool, playing in defense, controlling the pressure exerted by the she-gladiators. Fifteen minutes into the game, the she-gladiators score. The She-Wolves maintain their calm, playing united. Following a foul by the She-Gladiators, Janna Kaufman, vice-captain, took the free kick, kicking it hard enough for the ball to bounce off a player and land straight into the net, ending the fist half 1-1.

At half time assistant coach Antonio Illiano’s words came as a comfort to the team, bolstering their motivation. The girls re-entered the field with more confidence. With great skill and speed, the second half of the game left the She-Gladiators in difficulty. Within 10-15 minutes, the she-wolves captain, Joan Gill, thanks to a good pass scored. With about five minutes to go another splendid goal by Joan Gill left the She-Gladiators with no hope of catching up.

“The positive outcome of the game came with no surprise to me. The team’s spirit couldn’t have been higher, and from the first minute we imposed our game and our desired pace to the match,” said Michael Park following the game. Michael Park added: “It has been a privilege to coach this group of girls. The respect, attention, hard work, determination and the enthusiasm they gave me and put on the field have brought these positive results. My most sincere “thank you” goes to every single player.”

The pack would like to thank the coach, the assistant coach and the staff of student life for their patience, support and dedication thus far this season. The team would also like to thank their fans for their presence and encouragement at the games.

A message from Madeline Feicht, AUR Resident Student and
Goalie of the She Wolves: Fall 2006

I sprint from my goal post to the midfield where I hug my coach, screaming and smiling. We did it. Our She-Wolves soccer team won the last game of the season, against our biggest rivals, John Cabot University, 3 to 1. We put all of our efforts to play our best and get back at JCU. I still cannot comprehend some of the unreal saves I made, about six I can remember clearly, and so can my bruised and bloody knees. Our team was in hysterics, faces were shocked in disbelief, our team won and will precede to the championships next semester? Get outta Rome!

Thinking about our progress over this semester, it is true that we have come a long way. Our team was very diverse, incorporating soccer players with copious years of experience and girls who were first time players. In the beginning, we were distant and shy, not playing like a team. As time progressed, we became closer and closer, passes were more successful, and overall, we played like a team. At our last game, I must say, we played like a pack of wolves! I am very proud of our team, of our progress, our strength, and our optimism. In our team photo, one can see our shining faces, some of tears and some of laughter. It will be extremely difficult to replace this team next semester.

I will miss you all, thank you for the memories!

November 8, 2006: The She-Wolves will play their season opener against JCU tonight at 9:00. The game will be held on the Bachelet Campo which lies on Via Vitellia, just walking distance from the campus near Villa Pamphilli. Fans who would like to catch a ride can meet at the Archi Bar at 7:30.

September 29, 2006: The American University of Rome She-Wolves made their debut last Spring on the calcetto fields of Rome. This Fall, the team will enter the Primo Campionato di Calcetto Femminile delle Universita’ Romane. Not only does this mark the first time the She-Wolves will participate in tournament play, but also the first female five-a-side tournament sponsored by the municipality of Rome.

This year’s tryouts brought out over 30 girls- both resident students and semester study abroad. After a two week trial, the team was narrowed down to 18 girls. Practices continue every Tuesday from 7:30-9:30 on the artificial turf at Roma Uno, and games will begin in mid October.

The She-Wolves look forward to beginning their first real tournament, and hope to find as many fans at the games as last year. Games will normally be played on Thursdays, and a bus will leave from outside the University to bring the students to and from the matches.

For more information on soccer, please contact the team captain Joan Gill at j.gill@aur.edu and/or Stefano Stoppaccioli at s.stoppaccioli@aur.edu

Fall 2006 She-Wolves Roster:

Coach: Michael Park
Assistant Coach: Antonio Illiano
Captain: Joan Gill

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Female Soccer comes to AUR

The AUR Girls Soccer Team is fired up to play this Thursday (March 2, 2006)!
“We’re ready to play this Thursday”, said Joan Gill, the AUR Girls Soccer Team captain. This Thursday the AUR Girls Soccer Team will play against John Cabot. The AUR Girls Team won their last game against Aprilla (7-5) last Thursday. The team has been putting together scrimmages against other local women soccer teams. They practice every Monday at Roma Uno, from 7:30-8:45 pm. Joan Gill states, “It has been a great first season so far because everyone has been helping each other and improving each practice”.
Next fall, a girls’ soccer tournament will begin and AUR will be one of the participating squads. For now, though, all the team members are excited about an opportunity to play against John Cabot.

______________________________

The Spring 2006 semester marks the arrival of the first ever female soccer team at AUR. Tryouts started in the second week in January and the turnout was impressive. Over 25 girls showed up to the first practice, which are held twice weekly.
With the support and encouragement of Stefano and Hanna of Student Services, the AUR She Wolves were born. The team is being coached by Jake Campeau, Jamie Young and Jessica Jung. The She Wolves will see action in the third week of February as they enter the inter-university tournament, staring with exhibition games.
So this is an open call to all soccer fans to come out and support the inaugural season of the AUR She Wolves!!

Spring 2006 She Wolves Roster:

The Spring 2006 semester marked the arrival of the first ever women soccer team at AUR. Tryouts started in the second week in January and the turnout was impressive. Over 25 girls showed up to the first practice. With the support and encouragement of Stefano and Hanna of Student Life, the AUR She Wolves were born.

Next fall, the She Wolves will compete in the PRIMO CAMPIONATO DI CALCETTO FEMMINILE DELLE UNIVERSITA’ ROMANE, the first intercollegiate women’s five-a-side tournament sponsored by the municipality of Rome.

Tryouts for the team will be held during September 2006 and the tournament will start in October. Practices are held on Tuesdays 7-9pm and games are on Thursdays. There will be a bus available to take fans to watch the game and support the team.

For more information on soccer, please contact the team captain Joan Gill at j.gill@aur.edu and/or Stefano Stoppaccioli at s.stoppaccioli@aur.edu