This fall, the women’s soccer team has been brewing with excitement. But no team is successful without setbacks or conficts.
Before the season started, goalkeeper Hannah Perry transferred away from SLU. Just one day into camp this fall, the team lost one of their goal keepers to an injury. Head coach Tim Champion seemed to be struggling to find the right player to fill the position.
But it was fifth-year senior Amber Zdanovec who came to the team’s rescue, taking over the reins for the upcoming season.
Zdanovec had a year of eligibility left, even after graduating. The medical student had actually started coaching before the unexpected news of coming back to the team. Champion delivered the news to Amber, who was immediately excited to get back to the action, and get back in net.
Zdanovec has been a true inspiration to the other members on the team. It’s not just her experience and her background; it’s her perseverance, her work ethic, and her complete commitment to the program.
“It really turned out for the best,” said Champion. Her dedication and hard work earned her much respect from her team mates and from the coach. She has always been a soccer fan, and goalkeeper has been her position from an early age.
But Zdanovec has also always been dreaming for the chance to practice medicine. Since middle school, it has been her dream to attend medical school. Through work experience and sports related activity she is hoping to one day become an Orthopedic Surgeon.
Though medical school keeps her busy, she says playing soccer gives her a chance to stay involved and keep relaxed.
“They say to have a lot to have other hobbies and activities,” says Zdanovec.
“I guess instead of working out at the Rec Center or taking an hour or two to watch a movie, I just practice.”
But overall, she’s more than just a successful student. Zdanovec excels in her classes at the Medical Campus, just as she did during her undergrad years at SLU.
Through her loyalty to her team mates, Amber won the Billikens’ Sweetspot Award in recognition of her willingness to help her teammates. Champion describes her as someone who all the girls love.
For a coach, Zdanovec is truly an asset worth more than just a few saves in the net.
For the team, they have a senior leader to look up to. And for Zdanovec, always thinking of the team, that’s all that matters.
