Leading From The Back
September 22, 2009 02:32 PM | General
By Tim Goodenow for MSNsportsNET.com
September 20, 2009
 |
||
| Mailloux |
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Nicole Mailloux has a lot on her plate this season. It’s one that is spilling over with responsibilities, but the West Virginia senior has welcomed the challenge in her final season with the women’s soccer team.
Just last month, the Mississaugua, Ontario, native was busy registering for classes, figuring out how to spend her time juggling the demands of being a Division I student-athlete and preparing for life after college.
Amidst all the final-year groundwork, Mailloux also had to ready herself for another grueling preseason. This one, however, turned out different when she was awarded the coveted title of team captain last month.
A captain is the heart and soul of any sports team. And when the team needs someone out there to carry the attitude, desire and competitiveness needed to compete on a daily basis – it’s Mailloux that the 2009 Mountaineers turn to.
“It is something I’ve learned to accept and grow with,” said Mailloux, the lone returning starter on the back line. “There is probably some added pressure with being a captain but on the other hand, it has challenged me to step up my game and be a leader. I know how serious the title is and I try to do my best.”
It was Mailloux’s teammates who voiced their trust in her during the team captain voting, and something she is working on each day.
“Being a good captain probably starts with being able to persevere through all of the hard stuff that goes on during a season,” stated Mailloux. “You have to be ready to take the downfalls associated with the team even though it’s not your fault individually. You sometimes have to be the voice between the coaches and the players, during both the good and the bad times.”
Mailloux has come a long way since her arrival in Morgantown as a wide-eyed freshman in 2006. After a stellar multi-sport career at Meadowvale High, she provided valuable minutes off the bench in 10 matches her rookie season.
In 2007, her sophomore campaign, Mailloux was the top reserve defender on a team that won its first-ever BIG EAST tournament championship, and advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight.
It was during those first two seasons in which Mailloux developed under starting defenders Natalie Cocchi, Robin Rushton and Krystle Kallman. Mailloux had improved technically, but perhaps more importantly, she witnessed first-hand their leadership skills.
“I was fortunate to be around players like Cocchi and see how determined she was with everything,” said Mailloux. “She went full-go, all the time and was always setting a good example. She was a natural leader and being around her has hopefully transferred over into my leadership abilities.”
For West Virginia, they are fortunate to have a veteran like Mailloux around during its youth movement. She is one of three seniors on the current roster, after graduating eights seniors, including three All-Americans, from the 2008 squad.
Mailloux’s position on the field, a center back, also requires sound communications skills. Mountaineer defenses in recent years have found success with strong back lines, leading to some of coach Nikki Izzo-Brown’s top teams.
“There is a lot going on as a defender and as a center back, I can see the whole field,” explained the multidisciplinary studies major. “Being able to communicate is key, and it’s our job to talk to each player during the game.”
Those messages appear to be getting through, earning praise from her coach.
“Nicole Mailloux has been doing a great job of being a leader for us along the back line with her experience and knowledge,” said Izzo-Brown. “She plays a major role in keeping us organized and helping our team post shutouts.”
In each of the past three seasons, WVU defenses have recorded a school record 13 shutouts. Through its first seven matches of 2009, the Mountaineers have allowed only four goals while posting three shutouts.
“Defenders are usually the toughest people on the field,” said Mailloux of the traits needed for a defender. “And for Nikki’s teams, they usually have to play the full 90 (minutes). You have to be able to defend 1v1 (one-versus-one) and make plays when it counts. We are the last line of defense.”
Despite starting seven freshmen and sophomores in its lineup, West Virginia’s goal remains the same - win conference championships and make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.
“Nikki always talks about having no regrets, and as a senior, this is your last shot,” said Mailloux. “Nobody wants to leave after four years of soccer and say ‘hey, I wish I would have done this or have done that.’
“My approach this season has been to leave it all out on the field. When it’s hard out there and you’re tired, or hurt, I know this is my last shot. I can’t play soccer forever and I’m going to do everything I can to extend my season in a West Virginia jersey.”
And with the 2009 season nearly half-complete, be rest assured Nicole Mailloux is doing her part in leading the Mountaineers to a 10th straight NCAA tournament berth.
