Larkin graduate Walter flourishes in NAIA play

Former Larkin girls soccer standout Shannon Walter had experienced success during her tenure in high school.

But when she stepped onto the Martin Methodist College women's soccer field, it was a whole different ballgame.

"It's been a little overwhelming," said Walter, who through mid-week was second on the team in goals scored (7) and first in assists (10). "I have had successful seasons in the past. They (Martin Methodist) have been so successful, they expect to do well. The standards are so high for everything. You can't help but try to step up and be as successful as they are."

Martin Methodist, a NAIA school located in Pulaski, Tenn., has won national titles in 2 of the previous 3 seasons (2005 and 2007) and has won 4 conference titles in a row. The team was 8-1 as of mid-week and was ranked fourth in the country.

"There is a lot of pressure, but at the same time there is a lot of support from the coach and the players on our team," said Walter, a junior midfielder. "I've been through it once (winning a national title). There are girls on this team that have been to nationals three times and have won it twice."

Expectations are high on the practice field as well.

"Again, the level of intensity at even training is high," said Walter. "We know what it is like to win and what it took to win. We want to bring that feeling every day. We don't want to go out and lose. Once you get that great feeling of winning you don't want to go back to losing it again."

Walter played a major role in the team's national championship season in 2007. She scored both of the team's goals in the semifinal victory and had a goal and an assist in the championship match. She finished her sophomore year with 16 goals (second on the team) and a team-best 18 assists en route to NAIA All-American second-team accolades.

"When I came down here the coach he had a lot of high expectations," said Walter, who had 13 goals and 21 assists as a freshman and was named the TranSouth conference freshman of the year. "He worked with me so I didn't have all that pressure. I'm glad I was able to help out and help the team have a successful season. We want to keep improving every year."

Walter, to say the least, was flying high with emotions after both national tournament contests.

"It felt really good," said Walter. "It made it worth all of the hard work and the pressure that is on everyone. Scoring in the semifinals and the championship game, I was overwhelmed with happiness."

Walter said there is quite an adjustment moving up to the college level.

"It's always a transition whether it's with clubs and high school or college," said Walter. "The game here is more physical. Things are stepped up even more. Everybody can finish quicker and everybody has a better touch. You have to catch up or you are not going to get on the field."

Walter feels there's a difference between NAIA soccer and that of NCAA Division I competition.

"Playing in NAIA is a lot different than at a D-I school. It's a different style of play," said Walter. "With NAIA teams there is that international influence. The game is played different. There is more passing and keeping the ball than kicking it forward and moving after it like I've seen on TV with the bigger NCAA schools. With the NAIA teams, it's more about combinations and keeping the ball."

Walter is also enjoying her time at Martin Methodist off the field.

"It's on the smaller side for schools (about 1,000 students, she said)," said Walter. "I like it. It's very pretty. It's a very friendly atmosphere. It's so small, everybody knows everybody."

Walter is working on her degree in physical education.

"I'm not sure what I want to do," said Walter. "I want to stay with soccer. I love working with kids. I can see myself being a teacher and a coach, but I'm still not sure about it."

Walter misses her family and friends back in Illinois. But a slice of home has made frequent trips south.

"I miss being at home, but at the same time my mom and dad have made 5 or 6 trips down here already," said Walter. "It's hard to miss home when you have that much support going to see you all the time."

ECC men's soccer: The ECC men's soccer team sported a 4-3-1 overall mark earlier this week and was 3-2-1 in Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference play.

"We've been fantastic going forward," said ECC coach Dean Smith. "We've scored a ton of goals. That's huge. That was a problem last year. Our defense has been solid. All-around we are far better than we have been the last few seasons. Region four of NJCAA division one is tough. There are no easy games - they are all terrifically tight. I feel very confident going into the playoffs that we can challenge the top teams out there."

ECC has been sparked by the play of goalie Vince DiNuzzo (Bartlett).

"Vince has been a fantastic goalie," said Smith. "He gives the back players confidence. He has an aura about him. He's also a tremendous shot-stopper."

Central defenders Nick Janasek (Elgin High) and Eddie Philpot (Larkin) have also been key contributors for the Spartans.

"They are mentally and physically strong and good aerially," said Smith. "The ball is in the air a heck of a lot in this league."

Taylor Bond (St. Charles North) and Jose Sanchez (Elgin High) were leading the team in scoring with 5 goals each. Baird was the team's assists leader with seven.

"Taylor does his business up front," said Smith. "He is a complete handful for opponents."

Lamothe at North Central: Burlington Central alum Bobbie Lamothe competed for the North Central College women's golf team in the recent College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championships. Lamothe helped North Central finish a program-best third in the tournament at Springbrook Golf Course in Naperville. Lamothe, a senior, finished in 23rd place individually with a tournament total score of 180 (for 36 holes).

Off at College wants your help: Send information and/or statistics on Fox Valley area athletes playing collegiately to Mike Miazga at mmiazga@dailyherald.com.