The University of Idaho Argonaut

Much has been written about Idaho's success on the defensive side of the ball this season. The 24 goals and 251 shots that Idaho allowed were the third lowest total in school history, a testament to the defensive skill of the Vandals.

That defense is led by senior Sari Morrison, who has been with the team for four years. This year, Morrison stepped out of her comfort zone and not only backstopped the defensive line, but contributed offensively with 7 goals, second on the team roster behind WAC Freshman of the Year Chelsea Small.

"I was pretty inexperienced when I came in as a freshman," Morrison said. "Over the years, Pete and the other coaches helped me relax and become a much more confident player."

Morrison started playing soccer in kindergarten on an all-boys team coached by her father, who taught her about the game. Morrison was not limited to one sport, being involved in basketball, skiing and golfing. When high school rolled around, Morrison continued to play those sports, but said soccer held a special place in her heart.

"For some reason, I always liked soccer the most," Morrison said. "It always seemed to give me the most reward."

Morrison spent four years with the Idaho state Olympic Development Program as well as play for the Boise Capitals club team, which she helped lead to six consecutive State Cup championships.

When it came time to choose a college, Morrison settled down at the University of Idaho because she had an instant connection with players and coaches. Morrison said that she loved the college-town atmosphere of Moscow.

Morrison said her freshman year was one of intimidation, a very different environment than this year.

"I remember I was very intimidated as a freshman by the upper-classmen," Morrison said.

The intimidation didn't faze Morrison from improving her game. Over the years, Morrison said she has become much more relaxed and confident, traits that made her an easy choice to be one of the leaders of the team.

Coach Pete Showler said Morrison responded well to playing the role of offense, defense, and leader.  The Vandals communicated better this year than in past years, a fact that Morrison attributes to the coaching staff and the mentality of the team.

"It's been a constant ongoing process," Morrison said. "Pete has been working hard to get these results, but everyone knew it was a building process."

The coaching has brought the group of girls together this year closer than any other, Morrison said, and the work ethic has propelled the team to new heights.

"The coaching was really positive this year," Morrison said. "Also, the work ethic of the girls was amazing. They put anything and everything they could out when they needed to."

Morrison said the team has the talent to go far into conference this year. The mentality of the team is also much more positive, Morrison said.

"When we lost a game or fell behind, everybody's heads didn't drop and stay dropped," Morrison said. "We fought until the very last second."

Morrison said the team has an extremely talented core of players who will be back next year to lead the team to greater achievements. With the strong mentality and skill, the Vandals will be a force next year.

Morrison, who graduates in May with degrees in Biology and Sports Science, is hoping to go to graduate school as a physician assistant next fall.