Three members of the NYU women’s soccer team took the time to answer some questions about the program. Their answers are below.

Why did you choose NYU?I chose NYU because I wanted a

large university where I would be able to pursue my academic interests and expand my out-of-classroom experience. Additionally, I wanted to continue playing soccer at a competitive level.

What is your major? How do you balance your academics and internships with soccer?My major is biology with a concentration in pre-health. Concerning my schedule, my courses are demanding since many of my classes involve labs. Moreover, I have a part-time job in the NYU Admissions Office and intern at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine completing research in psychiatry. In short, keeping up with everything has been challenging at times! Consequently, I have learned that time management is the key to my success. Close management of time includes planning ahead with a daily schedule of priority items or obligations, while most importantly leaving some time to relax.

What are your favorite things about being an NYU student and women’s soccer player?I simply cannot imagine my life at NYU without the women’s soccer program — it has been an integral part of my college experience. One of my favorite things about being at NYU is that in a single day I can play a sport which I’ve dedicated many years of my life to, complete research in one of the world’s most renowned hospitals, and relax with friends in Washington Square Park. Through the NYU soccer program, I have met many amazing individuals. I could not ask for a more wonderful group of people to spend my time with, and I sincerely know that many of them will be my friends for life.

Why did you choose NYU?I remember getting butterflies at

the sight of the New York City skyline as a kid. This city isn’t for everyone, but it was always for me! As I approached college decision time, NYU was a perfect fit — competitive Division III athletics, fantastic academics and the best location in the world. Everything came together for me in the form of New York University.

What is your major? How do you balance your academics and internships with soccer?I am majoring in psychology and minoring in media, culture and communications. The work load is challenging, but the atmosphere on the team promotes studious behavior. During busy travel weekends, we will meet in the hotel lobby and study. I’ve found that playing soccer actually helps in getting internships. Coach will send out emails from time to time with opportunities from employers who have specifically asked for women soccer players. I’ve already gotten one internship through the team!

What are your favorite things about being an NYU student and women’s soccer player?I have met my best friends through the soccer team. I have never felt connected to a group of people more quickly than I did as a freshman on the NYU women’s soccer team. Participating in athletics helped me get integrated in the NYU community and gave me an instant network of friends and support. I love that my day consists of playing a sport I love with my best friends and walking around my favorite city. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Why did you choose NYU?I chose NYU because it was the

whole package. I was looking for a university that would push me academically, but still provide me with opportunities to become involved in my school. NYU was the only school where I could study abroad, play soccer, gain work experience, and have a social life. I love that freedom.

What is your major? How do you balance your academics and internships with soccer?I am double majoring in journalism and psychology. I balance my course load with internships and soccer by being proactive with my work. I always let my bosses and professors know when I will be absent and stay on top of things. My teammates are really helpful, too. When the team is traveling on the road, we usually push each other to be productive, even when Too Cute: Puppies Edition is on the TV.

What are your favorite things about being an NYU student and women’s soccer player?My favorite things about being a student-athlete on the NYU women’s soccer team are all of the opportunities I’ve had because of my participation. I’ve traveled to Brazil and the UK because of my association with the team, and we have spent some invaluable time giving back to the NYC community through service. My teammates are the best, and I love the camaraderie the players have with our coaches and the athletic department staff. I couldn’t imagine spending my time with any other group of people.

TAYLOR FRANCOEURSenior • FCupertino, CA • Monta Vista

MADDY CLAPPINJunior • DWakefield, RI • South Kingston

CAMI CRAWFORDSenior • FEl Dorado Hills, CA • Oak Ridge

Johnson is in her first season as an assistant coach with NYU women’s soccer. Her primary responsibility will be the goalkeepers.

Johnson served as a goalkeeper coach at the College of Mt. Saint Vincent. She also spent time serving as the competitive division soccer coach/assistant goalkeeper coach for U12 girls of the Rush Pikes Peak Soccer Club Johnson also worked with various collegiate camps.

A 2009 graduate of Long Island University-Brooklyn

with a Bachelor of Science degree in sports sciences, Johnson was a two-year member of the Blackbirds’ women’s soccer team as a goalkeeper. While there, she helped lead the squad to two Northeast Conference (NEC) Tournament appearances.

Johnson also served as a goalkeeper coach with the Brooklyn Patriots youth soccer club. Prior to LIU, Johnson served as the goalkeeper coach at Pattonville High School in Maryland Heights, MO.

Johnson also spent two seasons with the William Jewell College soccer team and helped the Cardinals to two NAIA Tournament appearances.

Johnson earned a Master of Science degree in health sciences from LIU-Brooklyn in 2013.

A native of Maryland Heights, Johnson resides in Brooklyn.

What makes the NYU women’s soccer program special?

“I believe the overall personal development of student-athletes in our program makes NYU soccer special. NYU — in NYC and abroad — provides endless opportunities for students to grow and discover who they are and how they fit into the world around them. We try to provide that type of environment within our team. We value integrity and self-discovery from a soccer and life perspective. We commit a lot of effort to individual growth and to the development of our soccer ‘community.’ My goal is that each player leaves the program confident they are a better player and person, and that they share that with others. I think that building relationships in pursuit of common goals is what a team is really about. If you have that, the success on the field will come.”

Canning is in her fourth season as Head Coach of the NYU women’s soccer team.

Canning joined NYU after six seasons as an assistant coach at St. John’s University. She helped lead the Red Storm to the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and its first-ever ranking (#17) in the NSCAA Top 25 Poll. She earned the university’s Outstanding Coach Award in February 2011 and helped the Red Storm post four winning seasons during her tenure.

A 1998 magna cum laude graduate of Seton Hall University with Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and women’s studies, Canning was a member of the Pirates’ inaugural women’s soccer team. She finished her four-year career tied for fifth in scoring and goals, including netting the program’s first-ever goal in 1994. In Canning’s senior campaign, the squad posted a 14-5 record (9-2 in Big East play) and reached the semifinals of the Big East Tournament.

After graduating, Canning served one season as an assistant coach at Florida Atlantic University. She later returned to FAU and earned a Master of Arts degree

in gender and sexuality studies. Canning also taught two undergraduate courses in gender studies and served on the University’s inaugural Women’s Leadership Forum Committee. Following her coaching stint at FAU, Canning returned to Seton Hall as an assistant coach for three seasons.

Canning served as the Assistant Director of Coaching Services for the Long Island Lady Riders of the W-League where she assisted in coaching, training and directing the Lady Riders’ camps. During that time, Canning also served as Head Coach of the Long Island Junior Soccer League U-15 Girls Team.

In 2004, Canning was a part of the Region I Camp staff. She then served as an assistant for the Eastern New York Olympic Development U-17 team.

Canning began her coaching career with the New Jersey Olympic Development Program U-19 team. She has also coached at numerous camps throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Off the field, Canning has instructed workshops for the St John’s Women in Leadership Certificate Program. She has presented at several university conferences on gender and sports related topics, including the inaugural St. John’s Women and Leadership Conference.

Canning is currently in her third season as the assistant coach of the NYAC amateur women’s team in the WPSL.

Canning, who has an Advanced National Coaching Diploma from the NSCAA, is a native of Philadelphia, PA, and resides in Scarsdale, NY.

Leaverton is in her third season as an assistant coach with the NYU women’s soccer team. In addition to coaching, her main responsibility is recruiting.

Leaverton arrived at NYU after a stellar playing career at St. John’s University. She played in 77 games for the Red Storm (67 starts) and finished tied for second in games played. Leaverton tallied 17 goals and 39 points, the ninth-highest goal total in school history. As a senior, she netted 10 goals, tied for fifth in a single season all-time at St. John’s, and recorded 22 points, tied for sixth in school history.

As a senior, Leaverton was named Second Team All-Big East, Capital One First Team Academic All-District 1 and NSCAA Third Team Scholar All-East Region. She was also named NSCAA Second Team Scholar All-East Region as a junior.

Leaverton spent two years on the St. John’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and one on the Big East SAAC. She played under Canning, who was an assistant coach at St. John’s, as a sophomore and junior. The two also partnered to create the Score for a Cure campaign, a breast cancer awareness fundraiser that has raised more than $7,000 to-date.

Leaverton possesses a NSCAA Goalkeeping Certificate Level 1. She has worked with First Kicks soccer clinic, the Wheaton College (MA) Soccer’s Future Academy and the Boston University Soccer Camp. She also attended the Women’s Coaching Academy in Denver, and earned her NSCAA Diploma in December 2013.

A 2012 graduate of St. John’s with a Bachelor of Science degree in sport management, Leaverton was a member of the school’s prestigious President’s Society.

A native of Mansfield, MA, Leaverton resides in Fresh Meadows, NY.

Fourth Season • Career Record: 31-21-4 (.589)ECAC Division III Metro Championships: 1 (2011)Alma Mater: Seton Hall University ’98E-Mail: mc4294@nyu.edu • Office Phone: (212) 998-2041

head coach MICHELE CANNING

Wyant, one of the original members of the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team, is in her fourth season as an assistant coach with NYU women’s soccer. She is responsible for goalkeeper training and recruiting.

She was the first goalkeeper in the history of U.S. Women’s Soccer, appearing in the squad’s inaugural game in Italy in 1985. Wyant played 16 games as the U.S. goalkeeper, recording the team’s first-ever win and

shutout. In 2008, she received the Special Recognition Award from the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Wyant played for the Long Island Lady Riders of the W-League for nine years, ending her career as the squad’s all-time leader in minutes between the pipes and second in games played. She helped the squad to W-League Championships in 1995 and 1997, as well as to a victory over the Brazilian National Team. Wyant won W-League Goalkeeper of the Year honors in four consecutive seasons, was honored as the MVP of the 1997 Championship and was twice an All-Star. In 2004, she was inducted into the United Soccer League Hall of Fame.

Wyant was Head Coach at Florida Atlantic University from 1995-98, and at Dowling College from 2003-06.

A 1986 graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, Wyant had a stellar career for the Knights. As a freshman, she was named Rookie of the Year and started in goal in the first-ever NCAA Women’s National Championship. Though UCF fell 2-0 to the University of North Carolina, Wyant was named tournament MVP. A First Team All-American as a senior, Wyant was inducted into the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.

Wyant is the creator and founder of Above-All Goalkeeping camps. In addition, she currently serves as the Head Coach of the New York Athletic Club’s women’s soccer team and the Director of Coaching for Long Island’s Brentwood Soccer Club.

Wyant is a native of Miami, FL, and a resident of East Meadow, NY.

assistant coachJEN LEAVERTON

Third SeasonSt. John’s University ’12jl5015@nyu.edu

Q&A WITH COACH CANNING

The NYU women’s soccer team posted an overall record of 7-8-3 during the 2013 season, including a 0-5-2 mark in the University Athletic Association (UAA).

The Violets won their season opener 5-1 over Salve Regina University, defeated NCAA Tournament-bound Haverford College 1-0 at the Stevens Engineering Cup, and climbed to a 5-3-1 record on October 2 following a 3-2 overtime victory against William Paterson in the team’s last contest prior to UAA play.

“It was a hard-fought victory,” said Assistant Coach Jen Leaverton. “I’m proud that the team was able to regain its composure after allowing two goals late and pull out the win in overtime.”

Facing a rigorous UAA schedule which featured four NCAA Tournament qualifiers (Washington University, Emory University, University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon University), the Violets battled throughout. NYU recorded 0-0 ties in each of its first two UAA contests (vs. University of Rochester and Case Western Reserve University).

“I am really proud of the effort the team put in today,” said Head Coach Michele Canning following the game with Case Western. “We were focused throughout the game and fought hard to the last minute of overtime.”

Though the team suffered five UAA losses, four of those came by one-goal margins.The Violets did record a victory over NCAA-qualifier Farmingdale State College,

besting the Rams 2-0 in their final non-conference game of the season on October 23. NYU was propelled by goals from sophomore forward Melissa Menta and junior forward Cami Crawford, as well as by the play of freshman Cassie Steinberg, who recorded three saves in the shutout victory.

“I think the 2013 season was an important one for the development of our program, as we challenged ourselves a bit more with the schedule,” Canning explained. “Though we didn’t always get the results we would’ve liked, we know we were improving the quality of our play and, on the whole, producing good soccer performances.”

The 2013 roster featured a number of players who received accolades for outstanding individual performances. Six Violets received All-UAA honors, led by Menta who was named First Team All-UAA. A year after setting school records for

both points (33) and assists (9) in a single season, she was once again an offensive leader for the Violets, pacing the squad in goals (7) assists (5) and points (19).

Crawford earned Second Team All-UAA accolades, recording nine points on four goals and an assist. Senior midfielder Erin Ahmed was selected Honorable Mention All-UAA for the second straight year, recording five goals and 10 points. Senior forward Leslie Smith capped her Violet career with her first All-Association selection, garnering an Honorable Mention nod after posting two goals and three assists.

Junior forward Amelia Hammerl and senior forward Imani Ribadeneyra were also important offensive contributors. Hammerl netted five goals for the campaign, while Ribadeneyra totaled three goals and two assists.

On the defensive end, sophomore Maddy Clappin collected Honorable Mention All-UAA accolades for the second time in as many seasons, contributing to six total shutouts in 2013. Joining her on the back line were seniors Karli Masengale and Mary Clair, along with junior Phebe Miller.

Steinberg was also recognized by the UAA for her standout rookie campaign with an Honorable Mention distinction. She recorded 67 saves and four shutouts along with a .761 save percentage and a 1.33 goals against average.

In addition to her All-Association honor, Ahmed led the way for a successful year in the classroom. She was named CoSIDA First Team All-Academic District 3, while 16 Violets received UAA Fall Sport All-Academic honors, 19 made the NYU Intercollegiate Athletic Advisory Committee Fall Honor Roll, and four seniors received the Student Athlete Academic Achievement Award.

“Off the field, 2013 marked a great year for the culture of our program,” Canning concluded. “We traveled to the UK for 10 days at the start of the season, an unbelievable experience for the team. We also finished the fall semester with the highest GPA of any NYU team and were awarded the Violet Cup, which is given to the program that has accumulated the most points over the year for things such as academic achievement, community service, and student-athlete engagement with department events. I am very proud of how well the players in our program represent NYU on so many levels.”

2013 SEASON REVIEW

assistant coachKIM WYANTFourth SeasonUniversity of Central Florida ’86aboveallgk@aol.com

All-UAAMelissa Menta, F (First Team)Cami Crawford, F (Second Team)Erin Ahmed, M (Honorable Mention)Leslie Smith, F (Honorable Mention)Maddy Clappin, D (Honorable Mention)Cassie Steinberg, GK (Honorable Mention)

CoSIDA All-Academic All-District 3Erin Ahmed, M (First Team)

UAA All-Acadmic16 student-athletes

NYU IAAC Honor Roll19 student-athletes

Academic Achievement AwardErin Ahmed, M (CAS)Leslie Smith, F (CAS)Imani Ribadeneyra, F/M (Steinhardt)Natalie Beach, M (Tisch)

POSTSEASON ACCOLADES

What kind of style does your team play?

“We train to produce organized, intelligent and creative soccer. Players in our program need to be very disciplined, specifically defensively, and know their role in our system. They are expected to have a good understanding of the game, good vision and the ability to make decisions quickly based on what they see. From an attacking perspective, there is more freedom for players to use their own personal flair on the ball. We are aiming to play at a consistently high level for 90 minutes, day in and day out. That also takes a serious commitment to the mental and physical side of the game.”

What are the most important things you look for in a potential NYU women’s soccer student-athlete?

“From a soccer point of view, we look for technical ability — especially first touch, tactical understanding, agility, and fitness level. At NYU it is a given that our recruits must be top students with a clear focus on their academic and career goals. Ultimately, personality is make-or-break for us. Personal development and team chemistry are the core of our program. We look for individuals who are selfless, resilient, competitive, disciplined, and who love what they do and maintain a positive attitude.”

assistant coachAMY JOHNSONFirst SeasonLIU-Brooklyn ’09amy.jo.12@gmail.com