Newswriting 8

 It is hard to find a student at North Dakota State University who doesn’t live for bison football. While the team is the pride of Fargo, there are many other teams that represent the herd that don’t quite get the same level of attention. 

The NDSU women’s soccer team has athletes from across the country that come to compete for the green and gold logo on the front of the jersey. 

Loretta Wacek, sophomore, is a construction management major from St. Paul, Minnesota. She came to NDSU, to continue playing soccer and pursue a further education. 

“Since I grew up in a larger city, coming to Fargo I felt that I was in a city that wasn’t too small nor too big, the school and city feels small enough where I know I can make valuable connections while also getting out of the small circles if needed.” Wacek said. 

Olivia Watson, sophomore, is an elementary education major here at NDSU. She grew up in Moorhead, Minnesota, about a ten minute drive from campus. 

“The culture of the team is unlike any other I’ve ever been on,” Watson said, “I enjoy going to practice everyday and even more so just being around my teammates.”

Growing up so close to Fargo, Watson knew the pride that the community had in their school. However, after being on campus for over a year, she is starting to fully grasp how special this town is. 

“I like NDSU because of the people here. Everyone on campus enjoys being a bison and represents the school like no other. The bison pride that shines through every student, athlete, and professor creates such a positive atmosphere and I couldn’t see myself anywhere else.” Watson said. 

Alicia Nead, junior, is a political science major from Littleton, Colorado. Nead came to Fargo for many reasons, but the athletic department was one of the highlights.

“I like how the facilities are close together so there is no big commute. I also like how big athletics are at NDSU. I enjoy the program and competitiveness, and I also made a lot of friends in the athletic department and around campus so I feel like I have a family away from home.” Nead Said. 

One of the biggest games of every season is against NDSU’s rivals, the University of North Dakota (UND). The women’s soccer team has won the past three matchups with the Fighting Hawks, and it is something they all look forward to. 

“My favorite memory would have to be from my freshman year when we beat UND. We were tied until the last minute of the game when we scored the game winning goal. The atmosphere was crazy.” Watson said. 

All three athletes have been key players for the Bison this season, as the team currently sits in the last playoff spot for the conference tournament.