Oct. 4, 2012
By: Jocelyn Perry SEATTLE - Although Isabel Farrell has been on campus for just a short time, she has already adjusted to life as a Husky both in the classroom and on the field. Farrell is one of two homegrown signees for the 2012 class. The center midfielder played for Interlake and the Redmond, Wash., based Crossfire club team, so she has experience playing in the area. During her tenure with Crossfire, Farrell was named the 2011 Gatorade Washington Girls Soccer Player of the Year, joining past UW winners Lindsay Elston and Kate Deines. The 18-year-old has a soccer resume that needs a size eight font. She has been on four champion State Cup teams, the US National U17 team and the Sounders Women's team, to name her most recent accomplishments. "I think those teams prepared me for playing here. Obviously the level of college ball is really high, but I think I couldn't have done it coming straight from club," said Farrell. The Bellevue, Wash., native originally looked at schools away from home until she took her visit to the UW. Between the coaching staff, the team and the location, Farrell knew Washington would be a perfect fit. "My family comes to all the games, and my friends are here. It's one of the big reasons why I decided to stay home." As a starting freshman, Farrell feels the heat and pressure on her to succeed. "I felt a lot of pressure coming in, but the girls on the team have definitely made me feel comfortable, especially on the field because they are so encouraging and the coaches too, but if I do mess up they're telling me what to do right." Luckily, Farrell thrives under pressure. She assisted Allie Beahan for a goal in the 20th minute against Colorado. The Huskies went on to beat Colorado in overtime 2-1 in Boulder. "There is a lot of pressure, but I like it. I like playing under pressure. I think it makes me play better." And she did. Through the first half of the season, Farrell is second on the team in total offensive points behind fellow midfielder Lindsay Elston. Even though she is ranked high on almost every stat sheet, Farrell is more concerned with the team. "I just want us to win." With all her experience on the pitch, she has advice for aspiring young soccer players. "What helped me the most, I had extra training sessions," remembers Farrell. "I would go out and juggle, watch soccer on TV, especially the women's national team, I went to the college games--I want to tell them to just stay in it. The game is physical, but also very mental." |
