Jennifer Griggs, freshman communication major, is a left outside back player for NSU’s women’s club soccer team.
Griggs is happy to share the field with the rest of her teammates.
Jennifer Griggs, freshman
communication major, practices drills for the upcoming game. PHOTO BY INDAYA BYER.
“Even though everybody has their individual personalities, you can still come together as one for one mission,” said Griggs. “That’s to win and to grow better as a community and as an individual.”
The team is run by the students, and is part of NSU’s club sports program. This team, made up of students from a variety of majors and backgrounds, has come together to form a tight-knit community centered around a shared love of the sport.
Griggs said her goal for the season, which started last semester in October, is to “get back on my feet as a soccer player and just make a connection with these great ladies.”
Despite facing challenges, such as balancing schoolwork and soccer, the team remains dedicated to its sport. Under the guidance of student coach Matthew Valentine, the players have honed their skills and developed a competitive edge, which has translated into a winning spirit.
“The coaches are really good. I haven’t really had male coaches before. Well, I haven’t in a long time, so it’s a new dynamic, but so far I’m liking their coaching style,” said Griggs.
Off the field, the team is similarly dedicated to its studies. Many of the players have academic accolades, such as being on the Dean’s List, and the squad as a whole has a high GPA.
Jessica Jagoda, junior marine biology major, practices drills for the upcoming game.
PHOTO BY INDAYA BYER.
Despite the difficulties the team confronts, the women’s club soccer squad is unfazed. While the team lost its prior games against University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University this season, it is determined to take the field and show the world what it is capable of, representing its school and town with pride.
Griggs said the team is competitive.“100%, yes. We want to win.”
The women’s club soccer team is eager to show off its skills and bring its passion to the field with a busy schedule of upcoming games. For home games at AutoNation Field, it will play Florida Gulf Coast University on April 1 and the University of Tampa on April 2. For its last away game, it will face the University of North Florida on March 25.
For students looking to get into sports, Griggs encourages them to find a balance between their academic and athletic lives.
“You kind of have to find that balance and also give yourself a little mental break so that way you’re not overworking yourself,” Griggs said. “I mean, I’ve been a student-athlete all my life, so it’s something you kind of have to adjust to each time you get into a new season. But overall, it’s a great achievement and it’s a great accomplishment in life.”
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