This athlete spotlight was awarded to senior soccer player Chelsea Smalley. She is the captain of the women’s soccer team and has been
a leader on and off the field. She recently scored against school rival Illinois Wesleyan and has contributed in every game for the Big Blue. Chelsea has a strong work ethic and makes a strong presence known for herself on the field.
What is your major?
Human Services
What would you like to do when you graduate?
I’m still not 100 percent sure on what I would like to do. I would like to go to graduate school to get my masters in Social Work.
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
To win the rest of our conference games and not have any more loses at home.
Any outside hobbies besides athletics?
I enjoy spending time with my friends, watching movies and television shows, reading, doing outside activities, and going to sporting
events. As long as I’m with my friends it doesn’t matter what we do because we always manage to have a good time.
Do you see soccer being a part of your life after you graduate?
I cannot picture my life without soccer because I’ve been playing for so long. I will hopefully try and keep playing through adult soccer leagues. I also plan on coaching younger kids because I have a lot of experience with working with children. I have coached in the past and I love making an impact in someone else’s life. I think coaching will help keep me connected to soccer no matter what.
Who has been your inspiration throughout soccer?
My dad was always my biggest inspiration throughout soccer. He traveled to every single game I had growing up; whether it was rec
league, travel/club, High School, or college. He also coached one of my teams for a couple of years. I can’t even think of a game he missed. It was always so reassuring to see him standing in the same spot he always stood at each game. After he passed away my sophomore year,it was difficult for me to come back to play soccer because it was hard for me knowing he was not there supporting me. But, I continued to play because of him. It is still really difficult to play, but he was always my inspiration not just for soccer, but for everything.
Who is your favorite professional team? College team?
I don’t really follow many professional or college soccer teams, but growing up I always loved Illinois State Soccer. I am from Normal,
Illinois, which is where ISU is located. I used to attend all of the camps and games when I was younger. I looked up to all those girls on the team and they definitely helped motivate me to continue playing soccer.