Sometimes change is a good thing when trying to achieve success. Other times success is found without much change at all.
Freshman women's soccer player Katie Fage decided she didn't want to change some aspects of her life when she decided to attend the University at Buffalo to continue her soccer career.
While many times students have problems adjusting to the sheer size of UB, Fage has taken the move in stride.
"I came from a big high school, and I knew I always wanted to go to a really big university," said Fage. "I liked all the girls and I liked the coach and I guess I just felt at home here."
In life outside of her sport, Fage has brought her familiar habits from home.
"I watch General Hospital every day. It's my favorite soap opera. I never miss it," laughed Fage. "My TV is always on. I need something when I study, either music going or the TV."
Fage has joined a very close-knit Bulls soccer team and she says she is very happy with the team's camaraderie.
"Our team chemistry is really good, all the girls have so much confidence in our team; I want to go as far as I can with them, we just have a great team," said Fage. "Everyone gets along with everyone, we don't have any problems, their aren't any cliques or anything, I guess its just good team chemistry."
While the women are very close, Katie's personality definitely has something to do with her instant friendship with the team.
"I'm really outgoing, I'll talk to anyone," said Fage. "I never just sit there and act shy, I'll let people know who I am and what I'm about."
Despite her friendly and outgoing personality, Fage sports an intense side that can sneak out from time to time, whether on the field or during a cancelled episode of "General Hospital."
"I have a temper, when I am annoyed or something makes me mad, sometimes my temper goes off," said Fage. "But that doesn't happen too often," she added.
Academically, Fage has seen what it is going to take to be successful here at UB, and she has found a formula that is necessary for all student-athletes to be successful.
"I'd like to keep my academics consistent," said Fage. "I'm going to need to balance soccer and school work evenly so I can find success in both."
This season Fage has played in all 10 games and has started six. She currently leads the team with three goals, notching them in wins over Central Michigan, Akron, and Canisius.
Even with her immediate success, Fage has been able to sustain a level head. The freshman really just wants to contribute to her team the best way she knows how; by scoring goals and simply playing good soccer.
"In soccer I just want to do the best I can, maybe be an all-MAC player, and score a lot of goals, I do that pretty well I guess," said Fage.
Fage and the Bulls head to cross-town rival Niagara University on Friday, Oct. 1, in what should prove to be an all out battle for bragging rights.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
