Nighswander-Will keeps soccer team upbeat

Leigh-Anne Brown Arizona Daily Wildcat Sophomore defender Kate Nighswander-Will (9) moves the ball through the defense during yesterday's practice at Murphey Stadium. The Wildcats will open Friday's James Madison Tournament against Kansas.

"Kate's stepped up her game from last year. She's a real inspiration for the team. She gives everything she's got to the game," head coach Lisa Fraser said.

Tucson resident Nighswander-Will began her soccer career when she was seven. She graduated from Catalina Foothills High School and started playing as a Wildcat last season on a scholarship.

"I love soccer because it is not an individual sport. It gives you a chance to accomplish goals as a team. I love being a part of a team," she said.

The Wildcats began their season on the road, going 1-2-1 so far. Nighswander-Will has been a strong contributor to their play, assistant coach Jen Netherwood said.

"Kate is a key factor in both offensive and defensive playing. She is playing extra hard at each game. She comes focused to every practice and game and easily adapts to our system of play. She is technically in tact with her playing. And she gives her heart to each of her games," Netherwood said.

All coaches have agreed that when the playing on the field gets tough, it is Nighswander-Will that keeps the team going.

Assistant coach Bruce Caris commented that it was Nighswander-Will that got the team pumped up for their win against Auburn two weeks ago after a tough loss to Wyoming on the Cowgirls' home field two days earlier.

"I just didn't want that awful feeling of a loss in my stomach again," Nighswander-Will said.

"I have never seen Kate upset," freshman midfielder Kim McGehee said. "I have a lot of respect for (her) both on and off the field. She always gives a 100 percent to our game and never gives up."

Netherwood added that it is obvious the team has a lot of respect for Nighswander-Will.

"I know there is a time to be serious, but there is also a time to laugh and joke around. The game is about having fun," Nighswander-Will said.

Freshman defender Erin Warner backed up Nighswander-Will's sense of humor.

"She always puts a smile on my face. She keeps our team laughing," Warner said.

Nighswander-Will will take her fun spirits and winning determination this weekend to Harrisonburg, Va., where the Wildcats will compete in the James Madison Tournament. Play begins Friday evening against Kansas.

Nighswander-Will is confident about this weekend.

"Our team is composed of a lot of great individuals. We have an amazing ability to not get down on ourselves. We put our losses and focus on the games ahead of us," she said.

Kate Longworth can be reached via e-mail at Kate.Longworth@wildcat.arizona.edu.