Senior Erin Linehan has not always been a talented field hockey goalie. In fact, before the second week of her sophomore year she had never even played the game.
When the Billiken’s soccer team was packed with girls at the forward position, and the field hockey team was in need of a goalie, Linehan felt that she was ready for a new challenge.
“I quit soccer on a Monday and went to field hockey practice on a Wednesday. It was hard to get used to at first, but it wasn’t that hard to adjust overall,” said Linehan.
With the differences in the two games on the field, it took a while for Linehan to totally catch on.
She had to pick up most of the referee signals and rules as she went along. Lucky for her, she knew a few field hockey players very well.
“Both of my sisters played field hockey in high school and here at SLU as well, so at least I knew a little about the game from watching them,” said Linehan.
Also, the soccer skills that she had developed over the years benefited her on the field.
“Goal-tending is a lot of footwork, and since Erin played defense in soccer, this made the transition easier,” said field hockey coach Shannon West. “Mostly it is her strong athletic base which gives her great presence in the circle.”
Once Linehan had made the transition, it did not take her long to become an integral part of the team. She started in only her fourth game on the team and has never looked back.
During the 2000 season, Linehan made 132 saves with a 2.64 GAA.
She had seven saves against Appalachian State when the Bills were out shot 15-4, helping the Bills to victory in NorPac Tournament consolation game.
Her best performance came in a sudden-death overtime game against Pacific when she recorded 13 saves, four in regulation, three in the first two OT periods and six during the penalty stroke series.
“My favorite games are ones that end in stroke offs,” said Linehan.
This is similar to penalty kicks in soccer games. Both goalies faces five shots from the penalty mark.
“I really love the pressure. It gets me fired up and focused on what I need to do. This allows me to perform under these pressure situations,” said Linehan.
As far as West is concerned, Linehan’s performance on the field is just as important as how she leads the team.
“Erin has character qualities that would make her a good leader on any team. Her great character made her a easy fit for our team,” said West.
“She always gives 100 percent and is so dedicated to the program. She is always so positive. It is essential to have someone who can see the entire field and give us direction,” said teammate Heather Mattingly.
“She has really good work ethic and demands a lot out of herself. In this way she has earned the respect of her teammates. She has worked so hard to get where she is,” added Mattingly.
Her improvement and talent in the goal have certainly been an asset to the team. “I really like the team a lot. It is a good challenge, and we play good competition,” Linehan said.
And when facing opponents, Linehan provides great support and contribution to achieving the team’s goals.
