A couple of weeks ago, we ran excerpts from the senior profiles that ran in the Senior Night programs for the volleyball team. Today, we take a closer look at the five seniors on the women’s soccer team.

Nicolette Miller

What’s the most memorable moment from your Mule career? Winning seven straight games, hosting the Centennial Conference tournament and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament my sophomore year.

What’s it mean to you that you rank in the top 10 in school history in every offensive category and have started all but one game in your career? It’s pretty cool to be in the top 10 in those categories. It’s neat to have something like that to reflect on all the hard work I’ve put in the last four years. As for starting all but one game, I played my junior season with a broken finger and half my senior season with a really bad ankle. You gotta do what you gotta do.

What are your future plans? Hopefully working in sports media, or possibly going to grad school.

What’s it been like playing with Meghan O’Grady? I met Meg the night before our first preseason practice as freshmen … We joke now that our first impressions of each other both led us to believe that we were both “too cool” to ever become friends. But almost four years later, she’s not only my roommate, but my best friend, sister and even “mom” in many cases (she hates when I say that) … I’ve been lucky to make such an incredible friend and even luckier that I got to play soccer with her. It’s been an amazing four years.

Meghan O’Grady

What was it like playing soccer in Ireland? Playing soccer with Nicolette at the University of Limerick was much different than playing at ’Berg. The team was very successful, and there were some very good players, but it was much more laid back (just like the Irish culture) compared to what we are used to. Despite the casual atmosphere of the overall soccer program, we ended up going to the National Intervarsity Tournament where we faced the other top universities in Ireland. Our team won the championship for the fourth straight year, so Nic and I can proudly say we won a national championship in our four years of college 🙂

What was it like getting to play in college with two of your sisters? Meeting my sisters back on the field after two years of not playing with them was an exciting experience. Since the time we first started playing soccer until they graduated high school, we had always been on the same team, so playing with them in college felt very natural. I enjoyed having two years of high school and college as the only O’Grady, however I am happy that I had the opportunity to experience the college game with them.

What are your future plans? I would like to attend law school within a year or two of graduation. I am looking into applying this year, but am also looking at opportunities to take a year off before going.

What kind of teammate is Nicolette Miller? Nicolette has been a teammate who has always pushed me to do better. Her work ethic on the field makes me, and the rest of the team, want to work just as hard. Playing the same position, Nicolette and I have been able to learn from one another. Each of us is unique in the way we play and are able to complement each other with our individual strengths, while also giving advice to make each other better.

Michele Toher

When did you start wearing your distinctive orange jersey? I started to wear orange in middle school, and it just became my color. The jersey I wear now has been with me since my sophomore year of high school, and I have worn it in almost every game since.

What’s the best thing about being a goalie? I love the thrill and aggressive aspect of playing goalie. Nothing feels better than making a big save to keep my team in the game.

What are your future plans? I plan on going to law school.

What kind of person is Jamie Weiss? Jamie Weiss is someone who I admire for her strength and will power. After tearing her ACL, she has done nothing but work hard to get back on the field. She has been a major contributor to the team every time she steps on the field, and it has truly been a pleasure to play with someone like Jamie.

Jamie Weiss

How good did it feel getting back on the field after being injured last year? Stepping onto the field against McDaniel with the bench and fans cheering loudly is a moment I will never forget. I was anxious, overwhelmed and really excited actually being back in a real game. Soon after I got in, I passed my first ball (we’ll say it was a great one!), and all the nerves left. I loved being out there again!

What off-the-field accomplishment are you most proud of? My perfection of the two-handed hug with coach! We have practiced on several occasions, and it is getting pretty natural, which is a huge accomplishment!

What are your future plans? Stay at Muhlenberg forever! But if they force me to graduate, I am looking to apply to physician’s assistant graduate programs and pursue a career as an orthopedic assistant.

What has Rachel Zarkin brought to the team this year? The better question is what has Rachel not brought to the team? … Within about 30 seconds of Rachel meeting the team at JFK Airport (very, very early in the morning), everyone forgot she was new. Not only has Rachel been an awesome addition to the team as a player, but she has also been a personal gain for everyone, because I can confidently say that everyone has made a new friend. The season definitely would not have been the same without her.

Rachel Zarkin

What made you decide to come out for the team this fall? I missed being part of a team and the competitive atmosphere. I was originally going to play my freshman year but decided to take a break from soccer to experience things I never had the time for in high school. I didn’t want to graduate regretting anything, and a large part of me wished I was still playing soccer, so I joined the soccer team!

What off-the-field accomplishment are you most proud of? My junior year I was a civic fellow through the Office of Community Engagement, and part of my fellowship was to volunteer at an organization and help improve it in some way. I decided to work at the Allentown Health Bureau to help expand a program called Shape It Up, a local elementary after-school program. The program is targeted at kids who are overweight and tries to help get them motivated to work out and have fun while doing so. The program is still running and open for any Muhlenberg student who would like to volunteer.

What are your future plans? I’m not really sure yet. I eventually hope to get a job, but before that I want to do something different (travel, work abroad, volunteer, etc.). So we shall see …

What’s Michele Toher like as a teammate? She’s an awesome teammate. She is definitely someone who leads by example and works hard every time she steps onto the field. And she’s so freaking good; it’s a little ridiculous!