This summer, Shelby Stephens was one of three girls chosen to play soccer in Costa Rica. She represented all DII and DIII NCAA and NAIA schools for the Beyond Soccer Program. According to beyondsportscr.com, the program was “designed by former college soccer players to create the ultimate off-season soccer experience in the world’s most passionate soccer country.”
Shelby was the only one who went, and she was chosen because of OAC honors and coach recommendations. Each girl representing the team was there for the same reason she was, so Stephens got to play with girls all over the United States who were the best on their teams. Other than playing games against the other members on her team, she also did service projects. This involved teaching the disadvantaged youth to play soccer.
Stephens gained a lot from working with the children.
She mentioned that it was “inspiring to see them so excited to play with us and experiencing the culture.”
On the days when she was not teaching children to play soccer, Shelby played many games against her teammates. She even played the Costa Rican U-20 National team and beat them 2-0. Since she played in such high competition level this summer, she may have an advantage over some girls.
This season, she will be more prepared heading into conference play. Last year, at the OAC, they finished tied for second. This year, they hope to beat their rival, Capital, and finish in first place. This would take them to the NCAA tournament.
Shelby says in order for the team to win the OAC this year they need to focus on their mentality.
I think for us it’s a mentality thing… there’s only so much we can do…we need to come out every single game really strong,” she says.
There is no doubt that Stephens will do her part on the team in order for them to finish first in the OAC.