By Elizabeth Thomas, News Staff
Defenseman Shayna Blackwood’s first career goal solidified a win for the women’s soccer team against University of Delaware on Sunday. Blackwood’s goal was also the first of any Husky rookie so far this season.
“It was actually really exciting,” the freshman said. “I was ecstatic that I could move forward and contribute. The fact that we have been trying to plan to get goals off set pieces, so I was really happy that everything we have been working for has paid off.”
Blackwood credits head coach Tracy Leone for some of her success in her rookie season.
“I’ve played defense before but Tracy [Leone] has helped me realize that I can play forward as well as defend,” Blackwood said. “She made me realize that I can move forward to score and come right back and do my job in defense. I’ve grown so much this year thanks to her.”
As the oldest of three girls, Blackwood, a Somerville, N.J., native, praises her positive family influence, which has helped her in soccer. Her father, a soccer fan originally from Jamaica, knew he wanted his daughters to play the sport.
“He grew up playing soccer and taught us everything he knew from the moment we could start walking,” she said. “My parents come almost every other weekend and they were at the Delaware game when I scored, so it’s really great having them there watching me.”
Blackwood knows she can accomplish her personal goals and help out her team at the same time.
“I personally just want to try my best at whatever position they put me in, but my main goal is to better however many goals I have or however many assists. I just constantly want to be better every time I am on the field,” she said.
The engineering major also knows how important it is to delegate her time wisely and balance soccer with school work.
“The whole study hall thing is great. It makes me actually sit down and do my work and just makes me focus,” Blackwood said. “Being a student-athlete teaches you to not take lightly the time you have to do your homework.”
When Blackwood does have free time, she sais she likes to get imaginative in the kitchen.
“I am pretty much the team baker,” she said. “I love baking and cooking. I am trying to be more creative with baking, and the girls give me requests for things. It’s really nice and fun and relaxing to do.”
Blackwood and the rest of the Huskies will be back at Parsons Field to take on Towson University tomorrow at 6 p.m.
