A Bolt of Something
by JJ Fiddler, CSULB Union Weekly
September 5, 2005 It would be easy to write the "Freshman Phenom" article. It practically writes itself. Ask a few people involved with the team about said freshman, then sit back to take notes as they shower him or her with praise. Yet what is that article but a bunch of hype about history and speculation?
Some may talk that talk, but it is all about the walking of the walk. Up till now, freshman midfielder Hayley Bolt has walked, scoring four goals—including two game-winners—and an assist in three pre-season games and two regular-season matches.
"This year, there is pressure," says Holt. "We freshmen are expected to improve the team. We are just working hard as a team…I push it to the back of my head."
With talent comes the pressure Bolt speaks of.
This year, the team touts a bevy of young talent, including Bolt and freshmen Sara Baca, Sahar Haghdan, and Kim Silos, plus enough returners with experience to make a run at the Big West Tournament. These hopes don't hang solely over Bolt's or any other first-year player's head, but this young talent could create a much-needed spark for a program on the cusp.
"The returning [13 letterman] are a very close-knit group," says returning senior defender Natalie Messina. "But the freshmen have come in, and we are bonding really well." Part of that bonding took place during the team's month of morning-and-afternoon practice this summer.
"Two-a-days have been tough. A lot of running to make sure we are in shape," says Bolt. "[Practice] is more intense in college [than in high school]. Here, everyone is giving 110 percent all the time, where in high school it was effort just here and there. Everyone wants to work hard as a team."
Bolt, a Lakewood native, took four official recruiting visits before choosing Long Beach State. "I never thought I would come to Long Beach. I thought it was too close to home. Once I got here I knew it was for me. The girls here were really great, and I like the campus. I saw parts of it I had never seen before."
Of course, there is the coaching to consider. "[Head Coach] Ingrassia coached my traveling team," says Bolt. Apparently, he left a good impression. "He is very personal, and if something is wrong he will pull you to the side and tell you. It is not as much pressure so it makes me want to play for him. Play even harder."
For Bolt, that ability to play hard is key to her game as a midfielder. Being impressive in the air, having a quick release, and consistently finding herself around the ball all contribute to a very composed game.
"She is a finesse player," says Messina, of Bolt. "She likes to have the ball on her foot, but she is great in the air and on the ground. I'm excited for her because she will only get better...it is fun to watch her."
The team has showed signs of utilizing its strengths in two wins last week. Sophomore Kelli Goes gave Idaho State fits on the wing, and freshman goalie Liz Ramos got her first collegiate shutout with a game-saving play. "They go out there and have fun," says Ingrassia. "Sometimes they don't play with a lot of responsibility, and that can be good and bad. The more we play the better we can get at balancing it out. We will become more responsible." |
