As the women's soccer team aims towards its first NCAA invitation, junior forward Melissa Matusewicz has become a key player.
Before her arrival, the Dutchwomen had posted a record of 16-12-3 in Coach Brian Speck's first two seasons. Since then, Union has an overall record of 29-6-3 (as of late September), including an unbeaten streak of 17 games. The team won its first Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association title in 1998 with a 6-0-0 record.
As center striker, Matusewicz is one of the leading scorers. In 1997 she established a Union record for goals (14), assists (9), and points (37) in a season, and she was named UCAA “Rookie of the Year.” As a sophomore, she was second in team scoring with 10 goals, four assists, and 24 points; through the first five games this year, she again lead the squad with seven goals, two assists, and 16 points.
A two-year All-Conference first team selection, Matusewicz was named a New York State All-Star after her sophomore campaign and was also voted to the All-East Regional first team. This year she is Union's candidate for All-American honors.
“It is obvious that Missy is one of the key reasons that Union soccer has done so well the past two seasons,” Speck says. “She brings the entire package — athletic ability, strong soccer skills, leadership, and a desire to improve. She always gives you her best, and that is one reason she is one of the best players in the country.”
A native of Florence, Mass., Matusewicz has been involved in sports since the sixth grade, playing soccer, softball, track, and basketball. As her last season of soccer at Northampton High School came to a close, she began searching for a college where she could enjoy both athletics and competitive academics. The deciding factor was the campus; when she came to visit, “I just fell in love with the campus.”
For Matusewicz, last year's game against William Smith is her fondest memory on the field. “It was pouring rain, the score was 0-0, and I scored with 11 seconds left in the game,” she explains. “It was definitely my career highlight.” That game was the first time that Union has beaten William Smith, dethroning them as league champions.
When it comes to balancing academics and athletics, Matusewicz says that she does her best academically when soccer is in season. “I think I am better at organizing my time in the fall,” says the psychology major, who has a double minor in anthropology and Spanish. Eventually, she hopes to get her master's degree in elementary education.
For now, though, she and her teammates plan to build on the soccer foundation that they have laid the past two seasons.