By Kaitlin Fuelling, '13

It was only a few days ago that the No. 19 Santa Clara women's soccer team saw its season end when it fell to Stanford 2-1.  SantaClaraBroncos.com (SCB) got a chance to speak with Maxine Goynes, a senior forward for the team.  Maxine played in all 20 regular-season matches, starting 17 and scored three goals, and added three assists for nine points.  She  scored the game-winning goal in the Broncos' season opener against San Diego State and scored one goal and assisted another two of SCU's first three goals in a 5-0 win over Gonzaga earlier this season.  She actually finished off her career successfully at Santa Clara by playing defense as the Broncos worked with a different defensive strategy.

SCB: How do you feel about your most recent season?  Did you set any goals or expectations for your senior year here at Santa Clara?
MG: Starting my senior season I had set a goal alongside my team members to win the conference title, and play in the College Cup Final Four. Unfortunately, our team fell short of those goals but I did feel that we ended the season with a winning record and played some great soccer throughout the season. I'm proud of our group for all of our hard work and efforts and am confident I didn't leave my senior season with regrets.

SCB: Do you have a mentor or individual(s) that you have looked up to throughout your college career?  What were a couple of lessons you have learned from him/her/them?
MG: Fortunately I have been blessed with so many individuals that have inspired me throughout my college career. My parents are the living example that love and unconditional support help college athletes like myself to remain motivated and appreciative along the way! My teammates inspire me on a regular basis and I know that all the hard work is worth gaining lifelong sisters. Also, alumni and our coaches have inspired me to be proud and honor the tradition of having the opportunity to play at an elite soccer program like Santa Clara University.

SCB: What has been the highlight of your career at Santa Clara?
MG: I think the highlight of my career at SCU has been the ability to play alongside and against some of the best players in the United States. SCU promises to give their players opportunities to be challenged and pushed and I felt that promise was upheld throughout my four years of competition.


SCB: What are your plans after you graduate? Do you wish to continue to play soccer?
MG: I am a communication major, so after I graduate I would love to get involved with some form of broadcasting, whether it be in sports or entertainment. If I had the opportunity to continue to play, I would definitely consider taking that next challenge on. I also have dual citizenship because my mother is from the U.K., so if there was a chance to play for the national team, I would love to represent them as well .


SCB: What would be something you benefited from or could take away from your experience as a student-athlete here at Santa Clara University?
MG: I think one of the lasting experiences I will take from SCU is that I'm not only a dedicated athlete but also a more well-rounded individual. Anyone involved with the athletics at Santa Clara really encourages us as student athletes to take lessons from the field and apply them into our everyday lives whether that be showing commitment, respect, patience, or compassion .


SCB: Were you close with your fellow teammates?  How would you all connect outside of practice?
MG: My teammates literally became family. We not only spent a majority of our time together, we enjoyed doing it. I have learned to lean on these women in my toughest and happiest of moments and I'm positive that without any single one of them my experience would not have been the same. I love them and honor them as athletes and as people .