Because college athletics have grown exponentially, it would be hard to imagine too many players already knowing each other when they take the field.
However, this weekend the Bobcats (6-7, 4-2 Mid-American Conference) will have at least six players doing exactly that. Ohio's Danielle Young, Lindsey Price, Kristen Miller, Courtney Mink, Kelly Kinsella and Amy Lower all have former high school teammates playing for either Ball State (9-3-2, 4-2 MAC) or Miami (5-6-2, 2-2-2 MAC).
Ohio coach Stacy Strauss said that the phenomenon adds a lot to the game.
I think that's kind of where the sport is an ambassador
she said. Players regardless of how hard they battle on the field are still friends with those opponents off the field.
Lower earned three varsity letters at Lakota West High School in West Chester, and the forward played with Ball State defender Lindsay Martin. Lower said she always looks forward to facing former teammates.
We love playing each other
she said. You always seem to play well when you're playing against someone and you have personal connections.
Young, a midfielder, was a four-year letter winner at Mason High School. This Sunday she'll be battling a familiar face in Miami goalkeeper and Mason alumna Shannon Chew. Young warned that when playing a friend, it is important not to let the emotions of the game get to her.
You can't let it get too personal
she said. Just play your game
be tough
be physical and play with heart. You can't let that player get the best of you.
Despite remaining cordial, Lower made it clear that letting someone get the best of her is the last thing she intends to do.
It's really easy to keep your focus
she said. You know that someone's watching you. You know there are fans out there that know you. You kind of want to impress them and tell them I'm good enough to be playing right now
and I'm going to show you what I can do.
With the MAC attracting most of its players from the same region, the familiarity factor may not be that uncommon. However, Strauss said that she thinks that, if anything, it can be a selling point.
I think one of the draws to play in the MAC is that it's a regional conference
she said. Kids can be supported by family and friends when they travel and at home. It makes our conference special in that regard.
The conference will be on the minds of all the Bobcats this weekend as Ball State is currently tied with Ohio for second place. Young knows this weekend is a crucial step towards the MAC title.
It's huge
she said. We know we need to win this weekend to actually have a chance at the MAC championship.
