This year as an Oklahoma Sooner was one like no other, and Lizzie Lualin played a huge role in this. She led the team this year and continued to leave an impact even until our very last game. It was an honor to get to play with her. Check out this senior spotlight on our captain, teammate, and friend, Lizzie Luallin. This season I had the incredible opportunity to play with senior, Lizzie Luallin, and has left a lasting impact on me. But Lizzie made much more than impact on me, right from the start of her four years as an Oklahoma Sooner she came in and made an impact, racking up a Newcomer of the week and being named to the All-Big 12 Newcomer Team. For the next three years Lizzie was named to the First-Team Academic All-Big 12. In all of her years here she appeared in every game and totaled 7 goals, one of which being the game winner against the University of Texas in her Junior year. She was part of a team that led the Sooners to their greatest season yet, making a run in the NCAA tournament to the Second Round. But Lizzie is so much more than the stats on the paper! Lizzie is someone who leaves an impact on the field, an incredible teammate, but most importantly is someone who touches those she is around. After our season came to end this week I took the occasion to take a deeper look at Lizzie’s experience as a Sooner. We all had some fun memories this season, and Lizzie says her favorite would probably be the “k-state game going down a goal then fighting like hell and winning as a team!” And for those who didn’t follow this season intensely, Lizzie had the game winner in this game (3-2 Win). I think this definitely says something for Lizzie right here. No matter what the record on paper said, Lizzie was always up for a fight, and as our coach says “running herself into the ground every game.” And he’s right! Lizzie gave every inch of her body no matter what the game asked of her. I admire her greatly for this and look up to her every day for it. For those who are reading this, I advise you to take her attitude in things you do in your life because it will get you so far in what you doing. Then I asked her to reflect more on her entire time here as a Sooner, and she said said that her favorite part of being on this team and program would be “…the people within it. They have become my family and pushed me to be my best self.” The people you surround yourself with in sports, your life, and in your friendships are those who will leave an impact on you, but also who you can leave an impact on forever, JUST LIKE LIZZIE. Being able to play with Lizzie this year has been one like no other. She has shown my what it is to fight NO MATTER WHAT. NO MATTER WHO STANDS IN FRONT OF YOU. NO MATTER WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS. NO MATTER WHAT WHAT THE PAST HAS BROUGHT. NO MATTER WHAT. Lizzie’s legacy here is one to remember forever, and not just at this University. I think Lizzie’s attitude and sense of grit should be shared with all soccer players both young and old. Lizzie’s advise to future soccer players is to “not to take your time as a player for granted and to give every ounce of effort you have in whatever you’re doing. And be brave.” She also says that “soccer at a collegiate level has made me grow as a person. I had to set my priorities straight. It has made me stronger and more resilient…and given me some of my best friends.” So once again Lizzie shows how that if you go out there and work hard you can accomplish things no matter what you come across. Lizzie is going to be missed greatly here on the field but no need to fret because she says she’ll “definitely going to be around and come back from games and stuff, and to help the program in any way I can.” She says that she will “miss the people and camaraderie most!! And just playing soccer at a high level” But I think we will miss you more Lu! For future Sooners and soccer players all around Lizzie is one to take after. She says that she “wants to be remembered as someone who always had my teammates back and never gave up on them. And someone who genuinely cared about the program and contributed in a way that made it better.” And that’s exactly what she will be remembered as. Thank you Lizzie for everything you have done, not just this year, but all four of your years as a Sooner! It has been an honor to get to play with you!
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GoalTo keep girls involved in sports for longer Archives
October 2021
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