Ross adds leadership, support for teammates
9/11/2015 1:25:00 PM | Soccer
The characteristics of a goalkeeper go beyond the pitch for senior Magen Ross.
The ability to see everything out in front of her, protecting her goal and always having her teammates' back are just a few of the ways Ross has established herself as a go-to leader for Sam Houston State soccer on-and-off the field.
“I always had a knack for helping people and being very nurturing,” Ross said. “I think I've really been pushed to be a leader here. I didn't come in here expecting to be in the leadership group or have the role that I do now, but I think I've really embraced being 'team mom' as the girls would say.”
When Ross became a Bearkat for the 2013 season after transferring from Texas State, she said she didn't know where she fit in on the team given teammate Kylie Hambleton was looked to be the starter coming off a stellar freshman season. Despite spending most matches since that transfer as a backup to Hambleton, Ross has still been able to complete a transition into a defining leader and mentor to her teammates.
“Even though I'm not getting the playtime, I think that when I'm sitting on the bench, I'm able to coach the players or see things when they come off,” Ross said. “My leadership role maybe isn't making all the saves in the game, but it's been a big part off the field.”
Ross' constant care and attention to her teammates has coined her the name “Momma Ross,” according to senior teammate Katie Bunch.
“Magen always has a plan and thinks everything through so thoroughly,” Bunch said. “If something isn't working or a drill isn't going well, she is always willing to step up and get the team back together. She also comes to practice everyday and works as hard as she can, which influences others to do the same.”
Although she has logged just about 97 minutes to her name this season, Ross' leadership has played a big part this season for SHSU and hasn't gone unnoticed. She was awarded with the “Bearkat Paw Award” back-to-back weeks to begin this season; an honor voted upon by the players for the teammate who has shown selflessness and true commitment to team chemistry.
“She really goes out of her way to make sure there is a positive effect on the team,” head coach Tom Brown said. “Whether it's sitting down with players individually or working with groups or having the whole team over to her house, she definitely goes above and beyond what most players do. She definitely takes over a role that really impacts our team.”
When Ross hangs up the boots at the end of this season, it won't be the end of being selfless and caring for others. Momma Ross is aspiring to be a pediatric anesthesiologist and is currently waiting to hear back about her applications to medical school. She knew she wanted to become a pre-med student during her sophomore year at Texas State, and she headed into Huntsville knowing what she had to do each semester to reach her goal.
“When I came to Sam, I had every class laid out in every semester, when it was offered and the professors I needed to take, and when I need to take my MCAT and when I needed to turn in my applications,” Ross said. “I love it. It fits my personality. It fits what I want to do.”
SHSU begins Southland Conference play Sept. 18, hosting Central Arkansas. Whether it is she or Hambleton getting the start through conference, Brown knows Ross will continue to be one of the most influential leaders on his team.
“She not only supports Kylie but supports her teammates within the game,” Brown said. “I know she wants to be on the field and playing just like everybody, but I don't think that she allows something she can't make the choice on diminish the things she can control like trying to support her teammates and helping her teammates win.”
