I had the privilege of sitting down and talking with the captains of the University of Maine Women’s Soccer Team, Julie Lossius and Rebecca (Becka) Grisdale. As fourth-years with a lot of experience and very diverse backgrounds, they gave insight into how living a student-athlete lifestyle is harder than it may seem. Grisdale opened up about how easy it is to lose yourself in a harsh soccer environment at her previous school, and Lossius discussed how tough it is to leave your loved ones on the other side of the world to pursue what you love. With less than two months left in the soccer season, both are excited and nervous about what life can offer outside of UMaine.
Becka, what was your freshmen year like at the University of Memphis?
Becka: It was hard coming from a place where you’re appreciated as a player in an environment where it’s positive and you’re confident and you can be yourself to then going to a place where you can’t show who you are as a player, you’re not confident, I mean you know me I’m pretty outgoing…
Julie: She’s a social butterfly
Becka: Not at Memphis, that’s the one thing I’m sad about because no one got to see who I am. I didn’t let that out because I was stressed all the time for practice because I had to do well. The coaches didn’t talk to me once fall semester. I knew I was leaving by spring. And that relief… I’ve never felt happier in my life.
Julie, you must’ve had a tough freshmen year coming from Norway, knowing little English. What was it like coming over to Maine for the first time?
Julie: I came straight into pre-season and started practices right away where we had two sessions a day. Everything started very right away.
I traveled with my little sisters and parents which helped a lot, but when they left, I just remember running after the car when they were leaving until I couldn’t see them anymore. And then I was alone in my dorm and really sad, obviously.
Becka: Freshman year hits different when you miss home
Julie: I didn’t know what I was doing, I was not familiar with the place and the people, so it was a big step out of my comfort zone. I got homesick and it’s hard with the time change and not having the same schedule to call. But it was nice having a lot of internationals on the team and getting to talk to them about it.
When you transferred to Maine your sophomore year Becka, you started and played every game. How did you get your confidence back?
Becka: A big one was having Liis as my coach, and the coaching staff in general, but Liis helped me a lot. She really encourages and uplifts. But honestly, my confidence came back naturally, like it was always there. Just being in the right environment with all these people is how I did it.
It can be a stressful/scary time for you both as seniors right now. How are you feeling about graduating soon?
Julie: I try to stay as much as I can in the moment. I don’t want to think about the fact that I’m leaving in three months. That makes me upset and stressed. I want to take it all in and enjoy my last time here but also focusing on the team and being with them. This is what I’m gonna miss.
Becka: Same thing, just being present at all times and enjoying the simple things. Like I just stay on campus all day because I can. Or going to get a Starbucks and going to the library or studying outside. I’m gonna miss being here and the little things.
It’s a bit overwhelming though. This is your last season, and you want it to go so well and still be a good leader and be on top of your game, so that is overwhelming. But I need to enjoy it because I’m going to miss that feeling. It’s a pleasure to have this pressure. It’s exciting, it’s so many things.
What is the most valuable lesson you will/have learned from being captains?
Julie: For me, it’s not focusing on the ‘name’ of it. If you’re able to create more leaders around you, I think you become a much stronger team where everyone needs everyone and lifts each other up.
Becka: Yes, like setting that example. I think you realize how much your actions affect people and how your energy can uplift or bring down people. And that’s something I’ve learnt too, I’m a very emotional person, so I think using that in a good way and being a good teammate is important.
