Soccer player remains humble despite success

Ashley Munnelly, sophomore center forward, was named MIAA player two weeks in a row.

Kristen Smith

Staff Writer

For anyone following Lady Lion's soccer this semester or keeping up with the statistics from their games, the name Ashley Munnelly is familiar to fans.

Munnelly came to Missouri Southern from Kickapoo High School in Springfield last year. As a freshman, she was already becoming a valuable asset to the women's soccer team and receiving great play time. Teammate Rebecca Brown noticed a definite change in her since last year.

"Ashley has really stepped up this year," Brown said. "Even during preseason she got out there and had great times. Last year she hung back, and this year we are noticing a better work ethic."

Now, as a sophomore playing center forward, Munnelly can't believe the attention she is getting as well as how successful she has been.

"It's unreal playing for Southern," she said. "I didn't expect any of this to come."

Munnelly has been dribbling a soccer ball since age 3. She grew up in a soccer family where her dad has been coaching soccer for 23 years. Munnelly played throughout high school, then began looking at colleges where she could further her career.

Before deciding on a college, Munnelly had the opportunity to go to Kansas University, which is a Division I school. After tearing her anterior cruciate ligament during her junior year at Kickapoo, KU thought twice about bringing Munnelly on the team. Kaysie Griffin, sophomore, also went to Kickapoo and began talking to Munnelly about Southern.

"My goal in coming to Southern was to make somewhat of an impact," Munnelly said.

Tearing her ACL didn't set Munnelly back in her career. Munnelly said she came back quicker than expected and better than ever.

Geoff VanDeusen, head coach, has altered his strategies a bit this season.

"I think coach has a different way of looking at the soccer team this year,  Munnelly said.  He has been reading a lot of books and his philosophies are motivational and inspiring. 

Munnelly is happy with how the team is doing this year and the sacrifices each player is making for the team.

"Alicia Givens is playing sweeper for the team this year," Munnelly said. "She would make an excellent midfielder, but she is willing to play sweeper for the team."

Munnelly said the team is coming together this year and working unselfishly.

Last year she was voted the team s Most Valuable Player. During high school she received awards for team MVP and offensive MVP. She has also received MI AA Player of the Week two weeks in a row this year.

"She continues to remain very humble," said teammate Libby Negus.

Negus is by far not the only teammate noticing Munnelly s humility.

"She s very humble and it makes her a better player,  Brown said.  We all enjoy her on the team and she really helps team morale."

Despite her own personal achievements and the respect she holds with the team, Munnelly gives credit to her family for her success.

Her roommate Amber Fipps also plays for Southern.

"Her family is unbelievably supportive," Fipps said.

Both of Munnelly s parents, along with her brother Mike, travel from Springfield to see every game.

"My brother stands at the sidelines of every game to cheer and help motivate the girls," she said.

Her brother also spent time during Munnelly s high school career announcing at her games as well as keeping statistics. During the summer, her dad pushed her to work hard by getting a stopwatch and timing her runs.

Munnelly s personal goals for the season and for her career include being at the top of the conference in goals scoring. She and Givens also hold the dream of becoming All-Americans someday.

Jeff Hansen, student assistant coach, gave Munnelly and Givens a "lucky rubber band" last season. The women write AA on the bands.

"I never take it off," Munnelly said.