Women’s soccer continues to perform at an impressive level during the Fall 2021 semester. They recently moved from №16 to №13 on the United Soccer Coaches Women’s Division III Top 25 poll. Additionally, they remain at №1 in the NESCAC standings and hold a 12-game win streak. One of the keys to the team’s success has been Aidan Leahey ’22, a senior center back and captain whose strong and steady performance contributes immensely to the team’s backline.

The Spectator

sat down with Leahey to review the team’s recent achievements and look ahead to the rest of the season.

First, congratulations on the team’s recent move up to №13 on the Top 25 poll. How have you and your team reacted to the news, and what do you attribute your team’s success to?

The team and I have been absolutely thrilled to finally hit those national rankings because that’s such a big deal. I think it’s driven us to do better and really focus on winning the next game so we can continue to hold the №13 spot and potentially move up a few more spots. I think our success is due to the amount of hardwork everyone on the team is willing to put in, whether or not someone is a starter. Also, everyone is so supportive of each other, so practices are so much fun and everyone wants to work hard. There’s never a moment where someone is like, “I don’t want to do this anymore.” Everyone is just always excited

for the next game and to potentially reach the playoffs.

As a center back, what do you believe have been your personal strengths and the strengths of the defense as a whole?

As a center back, your job is to direct the back line as well as everybody else on the field, so I feel like my strength this year has been a commanding presence in the back. I think the back line as a whole has been a really strong unit. We work so well together and everybody communicates and supports each other. Our positioning has also been fantastic. I definitely think we are one of the stronger defenses in the NESCAC, and it is such an honor to play with the other three girls [on the back line].

Later this week, Women’s Soccer will take on Wesleyan and Mount Saint Mary. How are you feeling about those back-to-back matchups, and what do you believe will be key to successes in both games?

I’m super excited for another back-to-back weekend. We have had two of those already. The biggest focus is definitely Wesleyan, since they are our last conference game and if we win that game, then we keep the №1 seed. I think the key to success there is making sure that we show up focused and ready to go, and everybody plays like we did at Trinity, as everyone was super compact, played as a unit and worked really hard. The goal for Mount Saint Mary’s is to hopefully maintain an undefeated record and get other players into the game.

As a senior, what role has women’s soccer played in your Hamilton experience, and what will you miss most about it post-graduation?

This team has basically been my entire college experience. When we arrive at Hamilton in Aug., we are thrown right into the season, so your friends are the team. You also have your away trips, so you are not staying on campus as much, so you get really close with your teammates. My teammates are my closest friends. I’ve loved every single minute that I have spent with the team, including playing soccer, team dinners and bonding nights. It has been so much fun. I think what I am going to miss most is the pre-game and post-game locker room feelings. Everyone is so excited that we won and it is such a great atmosphere.

What are you and your team’s goals for the rest of the season?

Our most immediate goal is to beat Wesleyan so we can keep the №1 seed and host NESCACs. We are also looking to go into playoffs, where we will hopefully win the tournament, get an NCAA bid and see how far we can go.

Lightning Round

Favorite pregame meal or snack?

I don’t really like to eat a lot before games because I get nervous, but I would have to say that I’m a huge fan of the Apples & Cinnamon Oatmeal by Quaker Oats. I also like coffee and a glass of orange juice. Then I’m ready to go!

Best show or movie you’ve watched recently?

You

(Season Three) has been really good so far.

If you could play any other sport than Women’s Soccer at Hamilton, what would it be and why?

Women’s Hockey because I think it’s similar to soccer with the speed and intensity. I also love watching hockey and I’ve always wanted to play, but I’ve never been able to because my parents put me in soccer as a kid.