The UB women's soccer team is looking to post big wins this year as returning veterans and new faces fill the ranks. The going might get tough for the renewed team, but their star central defender Devon Russell has confidence.
"Last year we had what some call a re-building year, after losing many starters to graduation," Russell said. "But this year we lost only one senior so we're looking to show well this year."
The 5'7" junior from the Holy Angels Academy started playing soccer when she was 10 years old, after some of her friends pressured her into a local recreational league. It was there that Devon learned to take some punishment in the sport.
"There was no girl's team yet so I ended up playing with boys. I think that's where most of my toughness and competitiveness comes from. Being one of the few girls among boys you have to be able to take the hits and give them out or else you wouldn't make it through a game."
Soon Devon was playing with travel teams. Then she took part in the Empire State Games. It became clear that soccer could be more than just a hobby.
"The soccer program at UB is what attracted me to the school. I was being recruited to come play here so I went on an official visit to see what UB was about. They ended up offering me a scholarship."
Devon has gone through some interesting years on the soccer team. Her first season in 2000 took her into the MAC tournament with an 8-2-1 conference record. She scored three goals and had three assists for nine points that year. The team slipped in 2001 to a 7-5 conference record, and Devon had five points for the year.
"My freshman year was by far our best year of soccer, which is something we are looking to not only match this year but go further and receive a bid for the NCAA tournament. Each year we have been knocked out of contention for this in the MAC tournament held at the end of the regular season."
Last year, the team asked Devon to turn to defense.
"I moved from central midfielder to defender and that was a tough switch for me. The opportunities were less to score so I realized I had to make the most of what chances I get."
As the team looks to improve, Devon takes on more of a defensive leadership role.
"We're playing a flat back this year. It's like a zone on defense and I'm playing one of the central defenders. I play a very vocal role on the field for my other teammates."
This isn't going to deter her from playing offense when she can.
"A large part of the time I'm playing defense and talking with the other defenders and midfielders calling out marks but there are times on offense when I get to sneak up and be on the attack. I like being on the attack and working to get goals. I take a lot of the team's free kicks and at times I get to be in the box when we have corner kicks."
An interesting fact to note is that Devon is playing with her twin sister Emily. The team is used to playing with both of them on the field at the same time, but other teams have problems adjusting.
"It can be funny sometimes too when teams don't catch on that there's two of us out there. I've had opponents say things to me like, 'Wow, you're everywhere!'"
Although they haven't switched jerseys in the middle of a game yet, the temptation has been there.
"The thought crossed my mind in our recent Western Michigan game when I couldn't play due to a red card in the previous game. If Emily had been hurt for any reason or couldn't play I would have contemplated pulling a little switch. Convincing the coaches to let me do it would be another obstacle."
The interaction at practice between Devon and her sister serves to push Devon forward, even when she'd rather stop.
"We've been playing together since the start so that kind of experience and knowing what each other's habits are makes for easy teamwork. We push each other constantly in practice to play hard and give constructive criticism when needed. We look out for each other."
Her role of captain is always in the back of her mind as well.
"We also are there to set a good example for everyone. It can be tough sometimes when you're just having a bad day and you're expected to be enthusiastic and motivated at practice."
"Being captain has been an enjoyable experience though I'll admit, it definitely has its shares of responsibilities."
Devon has some huge responsibilities like coordinating the team's defense, keeping an eye out for offensive opportunities and acting as a representative of the team. With all of that, she still manages to have fun and enjoy herself with her teammates.
"Some of the best times though are just talking and having fun with my teammates on the bus and in the hotels. You couldn't have asked for any better teammates than I have. We know how to have a good time and it's great to see the coaching staff get in on some of the jokes sometimes too."
