Genevieve Richard was named
Goalkeeper of the Year for her
efforts in the W-League over
the summmer.
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Richard guided the W-League runner-up with six
shutouts in 11 games, finishing second in the league
in goals-against average (0.545) and wins (seven),
an impressive feat for any goalkeeper, regardless of
age.
Richard began playing soccer at a young age,
drawn to the sport because of the requirement to
use not only your hands but your feet, as well.
"I've always enjoyed sports that demanded me to
play with my hands," Richard said. "There was this
mix of having to play with my feet and having to play
with my hands that I liked the most.
"I've always liked to be a little different and, in being a goalkeeper, I felt like I had different responsibilities so I fell in love with it that way."
As Richard began to sprout physically so did her
stock. As a high school senior, she was courted by
more than a dozen schools but chose Wisconsin due
to the history of the program and because of the opportunity to learn from Rosenfeld.
Richard was forced to adjust to life as a college
student much like many of the newcomers do each
season, but her struggle was not only with the balancing act that is life as a student-athlete, but also
with understanding of English.
As a freshman in 2011, Richard's understanding
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VARSITY August 22, 2013
of the language was minimal and it took a toll on
her mentally during her rookie season. She credited
former Badger and 2011 Big Ten Goalkeeper of the
Year Michele Dalton with teaching her the mental
aspect of college soccer and helping her adjust to
life in the U.S.
Richard also regarded Dalton as having taught her
the value of hard work and focus, even when things
don't seem to be going in her favor.
"(Michele) taught me to stay mentally focused
even though you're on the bench and how to stabilize my emotions," Richard explained. "I owe a lot
to her for helping me get through my freshman and
sophomore year."
After three years of waiting in the wings, Richard's time will come on Friday against UConn.
Rosenfeld, who has coached a few Olympic goalkeepers and has seen his fair share of top-notch
players between the posts, believes Richard is
among the best in the league.
"She works hard, but she's worked hard since day
one and I think she's had to be patient to get to this
point where she's the clear number one," Rosenfeld
said. "I have no doubt Gen will be keeper of the year
in the Big Ten in one of these next two years -- no
doubt!"
