Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter and Brett Favre are remembered as great team captains. At The University of Tampa, Samantha Kay is emerging as a strong captain in her own right.
Kay, a sophomore midfielder from Ocean Township, N.J., is the leader of the UT women’s soccer team. She decided to attend UT due to the warm climate of Florida and the level of competition in the Sunshine State Conference.
Kay became an important asset to the team as a freshman by scoring four game-winning goals, including one in the NCAA regional playoffs against St. Leo.
This season, the Spartans have not seen their desired record, but Kay has continued to shine. One of five players to have started every game, she is tied for the team lead with four assists and has scored three goals, one a game-winner. She is tied for third on the team in scoring.
More than statistics, however, Kay’s leadership is valued as her strength. Coach Gerry Lucey began recruiting her when he was coaching at West Chester University (Pa.) and ended up bringing her to Tampa, seeing her potential to become a team captain.
“She started out really strong her freshman year,” Lucey said. “This year she established herself as a starter. She has been a true leader and someone we’re very proud to call captain of our team.”
What the team appreciates the most is that Kay leads by example on the field without having to get too vocal.
“I play my hardest all the time and encourage others to play hard,” Kay said. “I always practice hard too, always try my best.”
“She’s a great captain,” said Molly Gottlieb, one of ten freshmen currently on the team. “She’s just a really good player.”
The effort is paying off. Kay has made significant improvements to her game as she adjusts to the collegiate level, which she called “a totally different style of play” than high school.
“She always gets around the ball and brings others into the play,” Lucey said. “She’s got good shooting ability and passing range. She can make improvements technically, as everyone here can. But we love her personality and her character. She plays with a lot of energy.”
There are two more years left in Kay’s career after this season. Lucey believes she has what it takes to become a two-time All-American, like former Spartan teammates Courtney Evans and Shelby Kuni. Kay just wants to be a winner.
“I think we’ll go far,” Kay said. “I think we can do really well in these next two years. We can win a lot more.”