Despite a disappointing final season for women's soccer (6-9-1, 3-7-1 Mid-American Conference), the Bulls' senior class was part of a major transformation at UB.
From 2008-10 - head coach Michael Thomas' first three seasons with the program - the Bulls won eight games.
In the senior class' freshman season (2010), the squad went 1-16-2 and 0-9-3 in MAC competition. Although the team fell shy of the MAC Tournament this season, Thomas was very impressed with the departing class.
"This senior class saw a lot of firsts for the University at Buffalo on the field and off the field," Thomas said. "They exhibited what you want out of student-athletes through their effort every 90 minutes and in the classroom."
The senior class consists of forward Karen McMahon, midfielders Michelle Anselmo and Lauren Coviello, defenders Natalie Jurisevic and Courtney Gross and goalkeeper Ainsley Wheldon.
Gross and Jurisevic started the majority of their time at UB. Jurisevic started 64 of her 76 career games at defense and Gross started 61 total games at every position on the field except goalkeeper.
McMahon led the 2013 Bulls with five goals and 11 points and Wheldon is one of the most decorated goalkeepers in school history - ranking second in shutouts (20) and third in victories (22) and saves (385).
"Playing in college is so much more than just the sport," Jurisevic said. "The hours and dedication teach life lessons I will use for the rest of my life. It has made me the person I am through the discipline, dedication, commitment, hard work and perseverance I've demonstrated throughout my four years."
Thomas believes the hard working effort of his seniors will serve as inspiration for the future of UB soccer.
"I think the future of the program will be defined by the culture that these seniors have emplaced," Thomas said. "And I think you saw that as they went out with a win, and I think they were great role models on the professionalism that it takes."
In the final contest of the 2013 against Akron - despite elimination from postseason play - the Buffalo seniors wanted one more victory before graduating. McMahon scored less than four minutes into the game and Wheldon recorded five saves to preserve the victory.
"For me personally, the game was very symbolic," Jurisevic said. "I had a different type of energy going into it and felt like there was no pressure. It reminded me of why I loved playing and started in the first place - to have fun and enjoy myself. It was like seeing the little girl inside me step onto the field again to play with a group of people I love, for one last time. And to get a win, there is no better feeling."
The senior class leaves with 24 victories - the most of any class since Thomas began in 2008.
Though the Bulls are losing some talented players, they will return a good portion of their team. Juniors midfielders Courtney Mann and Megan Giesen and defender Sophie Therien - three of four players who started all 18 games this season - return next season.
Buffalo will also return junior forward Katie Roberts, who played in all 18 games this season and started in 12. Roberts was second on the team this season with 18 shots on goal.
The Bulls should also get sophomore forward N'Dea Johnson back next year. Johnson missed this season due to an ailment not related to soccer.
This season's seniors set a new tone for the women's soccer team, and Thomas is confident that tone will not change.
email: sports@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
Photo: Paul Hokanson / UB Athletics
