By Bob Bonett
Following her freshman year at the University of Georgia, Sue Weber felt that a coaching change merited a change of scenery.
She decided to come north to Hempstead to re-unite with first-year head coach Simon Riddiough, who had previously coached Weber on the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association Girls Under-17 team. Two years later, it appears the decision Weber made benefited both her and the Pride.
Weber began playing soccer in first grade for an intramural team. However, it took until her sophomore year in high school to realize that she had a gift.
“My best year was as a sophomore playing for the national team,” Weber said. “I improved a lot, got a lot better at all fundamentals and earned spots on numerous regional teams.”
However, Weber’s national recognition began to develop in her first season with the Pride. Entering the year, the prospects of winning the CAA were skeptical with the likes of Virginia Commonwealth patrolling the conference. Yet, when all was said and done, Hofstra accomplished much more than anyone expected, including a victory in the conference tournament.
“It was an unbelievable, amazing feeling,” Weber said. “Coming into sophomore year, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t really look up the team much before I transferred, and thus I never thought we would win a conference.”
Yet, the team victory was not the only accomplishment achieved by Weber. The recognition she gained across the United States was unprecedented. She was a member of the third third-string All-American Team, the CAA defensive player of the year,and gained a spot on the preseason Hermann list, to name a few. “It was such an honor to accomplish so much,” Weber said.
As for making All American this year?
“It is not my number one concern, but I would definitely love to make it again,” she said. “Great team play is most important, and with great team play will come the individual recognition.”
Regarded by Riddiough as one of his “star players,” Weber looks to the 2006 season as another great shot at success.
“It will be more difficult to be so successful this year with so many lost players,” she said. “But if everyone steps their game up to another level, I’m still confident in our team.”