Kirsten Van Zuiden | Contributing Writer

Sam Richards, a junior at Buena Vista University (BVU) and a member of the BVU women’s soccer team, has played a key role as her second season with the beavers gets underway. Sam established a solid presence on the team last year, knocking in four goals, starting, and playing in every match. This season is no different; she has started off strong with one goal scored, one assist, and ten shots at the goal.

A native of Glenwood, IA, Sam has been playing soccer since she could walk. Her interest and passion for athletics led to her majoring in Human Performance and Athletic Training. Head Coach Kristen Gay is in her first season with the BVU women’s soccer team but can attest to Sam’s personality on the field.

“I’ve only known Sam for just over a month, but what I can say is that she has tremendous passion for the game,” Gay said.

Richards performed very well this past week, posting a team high of three shots, in a 6-1 loss against AIB. Sam has high aspirations and goals for the rest of the season.

“I really want to make it to the conference tournament. We have a long way to go, but we can achieve anything if we work together,” Richards said.

Richards said her motivation comes from her team. She never wants to let them down.

“Her competitive spirit is contagious and her ability to be a physical presence on the field has created problems for our opponents. We are looking for her to create opportunities for us in the attacking third as we continue to work towards our goals,” Gay said.

Richards and the rest of the Beavers take on Webster on Friday, Sept. 20 as they take a trip to Fenton, MO for the weekend.

Photo courtesy of Steven Phelps