Sept. 19, 2014 UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
By Miranda Kulp, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The 2014 Penn State women's soccer team has started the season with the best record since the undefeated team of 2005. The impressive 6-1 start wouldn't be possible without the Nittany Lions' determination for success this season.
One player on the team who embodies that mindset both on and off the field is midfielder Emily Hurd. Returning for her second year as a team captain, she is one of the many upperclassman who are leading by example.
"The biggest difference this season is that the senior leadership is fantastic," Hurd said. "The upperclassmen have the drive and push to motivate the team and it creates this whole new environment."
Coming from redshirting her first season with the Lions to now being a leader on the team, Hurd is a player who demonstrates determination in all aspects of her life.
Dealing with a foot injury her first season, Hurd made it her goal to get better and play on Jeffery Field again.
"I went through a big struggle both on and off the field my first year due to an injury," said Hurd.
Through her dedication and passion for the sport, Hurd not only recovered but became a key player on the team.
"Having soccer being taken away also took part of my identity away," she said. "Recovering from that made me both stronger physically and mentally. That taught me to never take things for granted and that nothing is given to me."
Hurd takes every opportunity to succeed that she can, including fulfilling an internship at Beaver Stadium and making Academic All-Big Ten in 2012 and 2013.
"I've had a great academic career thanks to Penn State," said Hurd.
She finished her undergraduate program in only three years, graduating in May 2013 with her B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences. Currently, Hurd is in Penn State's graduate program for Higher Education and pursue a career in university athletic administration.
Excelling in both soccer and school, Hurd is a role model for the entire team.
"Both on and off the field she has grown as a leader, and that's become her biggest asset to the team," said redshirt junior Britt Eckerstrom.
Part of what makes Hurd a great leader on the team is her consistent desire to improve. She is the type of player that is always working on getting better and motivating her team.
"She understands the importance of coming out to train and play every game. She understands that when there's a lull, it's her responsibility to pick things up, and she shoulders that responsibility really well," head coach Erica Walsh said. "As far as I'm concerned, she's the best left-sided player in the country."
Hurd plays a vital role in motivating the team's performance and also makes sure the team's energy is up. She is known as one of the most outgoing players on the team.