Oct. 22, 2015
By Jack Dougherty, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" Everyone who played organized sports at a young age knows the importance of the jersey number. There was always a scrum of some sort when it came time to pick those numbers, and if two teammates wanted the same one, it got heated.
Some might think this withers out once these young athletes mature and transition to the college game, but the battle royale for jersey numbers is still very much alive in Penn State's locker room, albeit in good fun.
There's an unthinkable number of reasons why athletes pick the numbers they do, and every one is unique to each player on the team. Favorite numbers can stem from a favorite athlete, a childhood memory, or a lucky superstition, just to name a few.
The Penn State women's soccer team gave us some insight on their numbers and the stories behind them. But first, let's take a quick history lesson on the Penn State uniforms.
Uniform Trends
Since 1994, Penn State's uniform numbers have stretched no further than 33. Only one player (Zoe Bouchelle from 2004-08) has worn 33 in the Blue and White's great history, but nothing higher 33 is available. As much fun as seeing a number 99 striding down the field would be, don't plan on it anytime soon.
"Other programs do that," said head coach Erica Walsh. "[North] Carolina is notorious for giving crazy numbers like that. To us it's more about keeping with soccer tradition. We try to keep it consistent."
The most worn numbers to date are 14 and 24. Ten players have used each number. Ellie Jean currently wears No. 14 and Cecilia Knaub reps No. 24.
The least used numbers come from the bottom and the top of the totem pole. The aforementioned 33 is the loneliest of the bunch, but 31 and 00 were each home to only three players' backs over the years. No current players wear any of these numbers.
No. 13 Christie Welsh
The only number in Penn State women's soccer history to ever be retired is the glorified No. 13 that was worn by Christie Welsh from 1999-2002. Welsh produced the single greatest career ever witnessed in Happy Valley, and she's truly deserving of such an honor.
"We retired 13 because of Christie's unbelievable career here," Walsh said. "She was our only Hermann Trophy winner and that was the big thing. To be recognized as National Player of the Year, we thought it was worthy of retiring her number."
Welsh was awarded the Hermann Trophy in her junior year, but her accolades don't stop there. In her freshman season, Welsh led the nation with 27 goals scored and led the Nittany Lions to their first ever College Cup appearance.
She was an NSCAA All-American all four years and the Big Ten Player of the Year in three.
Over the course of her collegiate career, Welsh notched 82 goals, 52 assists, and 27 game-winning goals. All three statistics are not only the most in Penn State history, but the Big Ten's as well.
Current Players
Elizabeth Ball- Sophomore No. 7
A lot of times, players don't get their first choice coming in as a freshmen. Unfortunately for Ball, she was beaten out by fellow incoming freshman Megan Schafer for her favorite number.
"I actually wanted No. 4 but I ended up with No. 7," Ball said. "I've had four my whole life, but I love No. 7 now."
Emily Ogle- Sophomore No. 10
Some players decide to explore other uniform numbers in college.
"All throughout club I was actually No. 9," said Ogle. When I came to college I wanted to switch it up. I'll probably stick with 10 the rest of the way. It's grown on me."
Perhaps the number 10 choice wasn't so random, however. The No. 10 has been a symbol of solid midfield play at Penn State for two decades.
"Soccer of all sports has a numbering system," Walsh said. "The one number we stay true to is the No. 10. We've got Ogle and [Christine] Nairn and we've had some good No. 10s so that's something we try to stick to."
Ellie Jean- Freshman No. 14
The number choosing process for Penn State is a system based on seniority, thus giving the upperclassmen the first choice, and deservedly so. More often than not, players keep one number throughout their entire career. Freshman Ellie Jean's lifelong digit is worn by senior Megan Ritchey.
"I've always had No. 2 growing up playing soccer," said Jean. "My mom works at UConn. She works with the men's soccer program there. So when I first starting playing I really liked one of the men's players and he was No. 2. I knew it wasn't going to be available so I chose 14."
Next season, Jean's coveted number two will be available for the picking. Don't be surprised to see Jean in different threads next season.
Mallory Weber- Senior No. 16
A sentimental value is often placed on one's jersey number. Weber was another freshman who couldn't attain her favorite number, but she's come to enjoy the change.
"I was born on April 4th so four has always been my number," Weber said. "You basically get whatever's left and Lexi Marton had four (when I got here), so I went with 16 and it's been good to me. I thought about changing back to four junior year, but I decided to stick to 16."
On the field, next up for the Nittany Lions are the Ohio State Buckeyes. The border rivals square off in Columbus on Saturday at 6 p.m.