Sophomore guides UA soccer to improved records, sets goals high

KRISTIN ELVES/Arizona Daily Wildcat

UA sophomore forward/defender Liz Bartlett plays jack-of-all-trades for the UA women's soccer team. She scored five goals and contributed one assist to the Wildcats' cause for the second year in a row.

When head coach Cathy Klein came to the UA two seasons ago, she was forced to build a program from next to nothing. Part of that process included recruiting and leading aggressive, pesky and confident players.

She called them warriors, and sophomore forward/defender Liz Bartlett might as well hold an iron shield and longsword.

"Liz is athletic, fearless, relentless and she can take any form of criticism," Klein said. "Basically, she's a coach's dream because she can take anything I throw at her and she responds."

In just two seasons, Bartlett took on and served just about every role on the Arizona soccer team.

She led the offense at forward, guarded the ball on defense and guided a group of inexperienced freshmen to an improved record this season.

"She's already served that capacity last year and this year," Klein said. "She's dynamic and an amazing person."

Last season, UA posted a disappointing 3-12-2 overall record.

While it improved its winning mark this season just slightly to 5-12-1 overall, Bartlett said she saw improvement in her own performance and has grown into the role she's taken on.

"I've matured and developed as both a player and in the numerous roles I've taken on the team," Bartlett said.

Although the Wildcats did not post the type of record they were hoping for, Bartlett said the season wasn't entirely disappointing.

The UA sophomore finished the season with five goals and one assist - the exact same line as last year.

While Bartlett serves as a leader, no one plays a larger supporting role in her life than her twin sister, roommate and teammate, Samantha.

"(Samantha) is my balance support and she keeps me in check when I'm not doing things right," Liz Bartlett said. "When I need to be yelled at, she's constantly the first one to stick her nose in it."

Liz Bartlett - who started all 18 games for UA - said that when the day is over, she and Samantha have learned to leave everything on the field.

"We keep soccer life separate from our sister life," Bartlett said.

Klein said she could not imagine Bartlett without Samantha's influence.

"They're Bartletts," Klein said. "They talk in circles, they finish each others' sentences. You never see them apart but in the same capacity, they balance each other out. Sam and Liz are in each other's corner every second of the day."

With the support of her teammates and the close bond she shares with her sister, Liz Bartlett said she sees only good things ahead for Arizona.

"I definitely see a forward progression (in the program)," she said. "By the time I'm a senior, there's going to be no question of whether we're in the tournament because we are going to be there."

The sophomore has earned respect from coaches, players and opponents, UA goalkeeper Shannon Monti said.

"Liz has such a great spark and energy to her that she gains so much respect from other players, no matter the age," Monti said. "Liz has every potential to take soccer to another level."

Despite the wins and losses, Klein said Bartlett and her teammates have already helped establish UA soccer as more of a threat.

With freshmen such as midfielder/forward Candice Wilks, defender/midfielder Lindsey Peeples and midfielder/forward Vanesha Bailey on Bartlett's side, Klein said the program is only going to move forward next season.

Players said Bartlett has served her role, both on and off the field, and has guided the freshmen in their first collegiate soccer year.

"When I play forward (with Liz), she tells me things and helps me learn - she's really helped me get through the season," said Bailey, who finished the season with six goals and five assists (17 points). "She's a key factor anywhere on the field."

Klein, who has worked with Bartlett for the past two years, acknowledges nothing but success for one of her most promising players.

"She's talented enough to be an All-American and bright enough to be an academic All-American," Klein said. "The sky is the limit for that kid."

Bartlett, who has already gained the respect and admiration from players and coaches alike, said she is prepared for any challenge that awaits her.

"I'm just going to come to practice with my boots tied up tight and my shin guards on and give it all I have," Bartlett said.