MILTON, Mass. – The Curry College Women's Soccer colonel troop had a special guest, Captain Bridgett Soares, who met with the squad on Monday night to talk about her journey as a walk-on Division II student-athlete on the women's lacrosse team at Long Island University-Post. Captain Soares also shared how she earned a starting spot on a two-time National Championship program.

Following her collegiate career, Soares followed in the footsteps of her parents and enlisted in the Marines Corps. She spoke on the leadership and resiliency it takes to set a championship culture. Additionally, she spoke about the hard work required to earn her spot but more importantly creating a team culture founded upon positivity and accountability.

"Captain Soares was an excellent example of what mentality each person on our team needs to have," said junior Courtney Lima (New Bedford, Mass.). "We each need to work for not only ourselves but for our teammates, coaches, families, etc. The only way to achieve greatness is to all be on the same page in willing to do anything to get there. Listening to Captain Soares story was exactly what we needed to drive us towards having a strong and successful end to our season."

Soares spoke about how nobody is perfect, but we can work to be," said sophomore Jocelyn Dimond (Weare, N.H.). "She talked about the importance of positive mental attitude and I think our team really needed the help with this. Soares showed us ways on how to get through negativity, keeping our heads up, believing in each other, pushing each other, and holding each other accountable."

"Meeting with the Curry Women's Soccer team was a really humbling experience," said Captain Soares. "It's not too often you see a team that has great cohesion and such a strong passion for the game."

Captain Soares had more to say about her meeting with the Colonels:

"When I spoke with the team, we focused on leadership and resiliency. As a Marine Officer, I have to be able to lead my Marines and remain resilient when faced with adversity. I was able to easily transfer these concepts into my Marine Corps career from what I learned on the lacrosse field. A team needs to have strong/confident leaders who are able to make decisions, ensure accountability, and inspire and encourage others. When you have a team with leaders who possess these attributes your team is going to be successful. Resiliency is something you need to have in sports because you're going to have setbacks. What matters most is how you react to them. Are you going to quit or will you continue to push forward? When you have a team that is able to stay positive and control their emotional reaction to situations you have a team that is able to come back strong after taking a hit."

"After speaking with the team it's clear that they are aware of how big of a role leadership and resiliency will play into their success. I know that they'll put all that they have into these last few games and continue to work as one. Again it was a pleasure to meet with them and I wish them the best of luck with the rest of their season!"

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