This was the second time since 2003 that BYU’s women’s soccer team made it to the Elite 8 and the team says the support of Cougar fans gave these ladies a season they say they’ll always remember. Stands at the South Field overflowed with fans as the Cougars took on North Carolina for a chance to go to the Final Four in the NCAA. Senior Defender Cami Jensen says she believes that the fans’ enthusiasm helped them make it this far in the tournament.
“Our fan support was phenomenal this year and I think our ability to just play for each other and play for the school really came out this year…I think that’s why we became such a favorite among the fans here,” said Jensen.
It seemed like the games were as popular and packed as BYU’s football and basketball games. More fans meant less seats, but that didn’t stop people from cheering on the Cougars, even if they had to stand. Even though tickets had already sold out, hundreds of fans still waited outside the South Field gates to be let in standby to watch the women’s soccer team play their last home game. The game was not only the last home game of the season, but the last soccer game of the year for the Cougars. Head Coach Jennifer Rockwood says that although the team didn’t win, they accomplished many goals this season and have a lot to be proud of.
“We created a lot of phenomenal memories, especially within this last month and we just told the girls afterwards to be proud and to walk away with their heads held high…they’ll remember these memories for a lifetime,” said Rockwood.
This game was the 5th most attended soccer game in the history of the team with more than 4,000 people filling the stands.
