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Schmoker shines for Catamounts
Published November 5, 2009
At 5-foot-4, Shanna Schmoker has been a bundle of energy on the soccer field. In her final season in uniform with the Western Carolina University Catamounts, Schmoker has left quite a mark at the Cullowhee, N.C. program.
“Shanna’s contribution to our program is evident on so many levels,” Western Carolina soccer coach Tammy DeCesare said. “She has amassed a tremendous personal career here where. Statistically, she’s arguably one of — if not the best — defensive central midfielder WCU has ever had. Beyond that, she is a leader by how relentless she plays every moment.”
Schmoker played 19 matches this season and accumulated 1,653 minutes of play to go along with two goals, four points and 39 shots — 13 at goal. Her two goals were each game-winning scores for the ’Cats.
“Her qualities on the field vary, but she is relentless with great vision and excellent mobility,” DeCesare said. “All of these qualities have made her one of the top central mids in the SoCon (Southern Conference).”
The former Brazoswood Lady Buc started 20 of 21 games as a freshman in 2006 and was voted to the Southern Conference All-Tournament Team. She finished second on the team with nine points.
In her sophomore year, Schmoker started 18 matches, scoring one goal, and named to the 2007 Southern Conference Fall Academic All-Conference Team.
Last season she started 22 of 23 matches, scoring a career-high five goals and tied for the team lead. Schmoker was second in overall points with 11 and had game-winning goals against The Citadel, Wofford and Chattanooga.
She was a first team all-conference player during the regular season, an all-tournament selection, and for the second year in a row an academic all-conference pick.
“This is just something that I am going to take with me for the rest of my life,” Schmoker said. “Last year, we were conference champs and made the NCAA Tournament. We lost to North Carolina, who went on to win the national title. That, for me, was a great experience to be on the same field with them.”
Schmoker entered her final year 26 matches from tying the all-time leader at 88. She also had 98 shots at goal, which placed her ninth in the record book.
“We are losing possibly the best ball winner in the conference,” DeCesare said.
“Schmoker dominates the air like no one else and is a force in that position. It will be incredibly difficult to find someone to do what she does.
“She’s truly irreplaceable.”
Western Carolina finished the season 8-6-5 overall and 5-3-3 in conference play. The ’Cats placed fifth in the Southern Conference, and only the top four teams get in the playoffs.
“We missed it by two points,” DeCesare said. “And if we had beaten and not tied the Citadel, we’d be heading to a championship. But we were impressive early in playing ranked top opponents very close and tying one.”
Schmoker still holds records in assists and goals in a game for the Lady Buc soccer program. She was a three-time all-county performer.
“I am completely done and now I have all this time on my hands,” Schmoker said. “I will be graduating next December with an elementary education degree.”
Joel Luna is the sports editor for The Facts. Contact him at 979-237-0160 or at joel.luna(at)thefacts.com.
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