Making history

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

As the final seconds counted down at Canisius University history was about to be made. The Mount St. Mary Academy soccer team was about to win back-to-back title for the first time in school history.

The jubilation could be seen on the faces off all players, including senior Margret Bouquard. She has been part of a resurgent Mount St. Mary Academy soccer program that has battled with Mount Mercy Academy for the past four years.

What makes it a little more special for Bouquard was the fact she missed the championship game her sophomore year, the year Mercy beat them, with a stress fracture. Having to be on the sidelines, and watching her teammates fall, was not an easy feeling.

She never wanted to have that feeling again, and over the past two years, Bouquard has come back stronger and even more determined than ever.

“It means the world to me that I was able to help the MSM soccer team win two Monsignor championship titles back to back, especially during my best years of high school,” stated Bouquard. “My sophomore year of high school I was injured with a stress fracture in my foot; that year I wasn’t able to play in the championship game. I was so disheartened when my team lost to Mount Mercy that year, so I am thrilled to have helped my team win back the plaque for back to back years.”

It has been a great four years for Bouquard, one that has seen the ups and downs that come with a high school career. There was the back-to-back titles the past two years. There was the stress fracture her sophomore season that took her out of action.

Through it all, it was the memories that Bouquard made that she will remember the most.

“The most important thing I will take away from being a part of the MSM soccer team is definitely the great bonds and friendships I have made along the way,” stated Bouquard. “I have met many new people who I likely would not have met and have also had amazing opportunities that any soccer girl would want to have. I am extremely grateful for the experiences and time spent with my MSM soccer squad.”

Besides winning titles, it has been a great fall for Bouquard as she recently signed with Nazareth to continue her athletic and academic career. There were many factors that separated Nazareth from other schools she was looking at.

One, of course, is to continue to play soccer. The second is the physical therapy program. Being able to play soccer and get a great education is what sold Bouquard.

“The most impactful things about Nazareth that went into making my decision were the amazing athletic program and facilities, the top Physical Therapy program, and how amazing the school is,” stated Bouquard. “I absolutely love Naz and it is just the right distance away from home; it also helped that I had taken a positive liking to the team and the great coaches during my visits.”

The recruiting process is never easy one. It can take months to find a good fit for you both academic and athletically. As Bouquard was going through the process she learned a lot about herself.

Originally, Bouquard was looking at different majors and kind of being a little bit farther from home. But, as she was going through the process more, she decided she didn’t want to be too far away.

She also had to do her own recruiting. Sending out emails, and contacting coaches, could be taxing at times. In the beginning Bouquard was trying to get her name out there. After a while coaches would start contacting her, and the rest was history.

“When I was going through the recruiting process, I originally had a totally different major and was interested in a different region of the country. I eventually learned my true interest in physical therapy as a major, and that I really didn’t want to be so far away from home,” stated Bouquard. “To try to get my name out there, the first order of business was to cast a wide net by emailing as many schools as possible to try to spark some interest. At first I did struggle a bit to try and get coaches to notice me, but soon enough I had coaches emailing me personally about phone calls and inviting me to come out to visit campuses. I wouldn’t have been able to do so well in my recruiting process without the help of my Mom and Dad who always encouraged me to keep emailing different colleges for showcases, which truly helped push me out of my comfort zone.”

As she gets ready for the next chapter in her life, Bouquard knows she still has a lot to work out. She knows she just won’t be able to go in there next season and taking over a starting role. Bouquard knows it will take hard work over during the offseason to get her ready for her freshman season.

“During the off season, I will need to focus on my fitness plus strength as well as my touches to stay ready and alert for when college preseason comes,” stated Bouquard. “I know I will have to train even harder in the off season this year, but I am totally ready for the challenges ahead and I’m so excited to make my dream of playing college soccer finally come true. I am so grateful to continue my education and soccer playing career at such an amazing university like Naz.”