“Welcome to the Team” is a Q&A series where the Collegian sits down with first-year student-athletes who are entering their first season at Butler University. These articles will address why they chose Butler, what they hope to get out of this season and some personal tidbits that you won’t find anywhere else.
This week, staff reporter Molly Scheuer sat down with five first-years from the Butler women’s soccer team: Lola Pepper, Emma Hamelmann, Maren Swan, Elise May and Sarah Monnin.
Lola Pepper is a 5’9’’ midfielder from Winona Lake, Ind. Photo by Faith Delamarter.
THE BUTLER COLLEGIAN: Why did you choose Butler?
LOLA PEPPER: I chose to come to Butler because I really love Indianapolis and it’s pretty close to my home, only two hours away. The coaching staff [cares] a lot about you as a person, [more] than just [as] a soccer player. We have one-on-one meetings with each of them, and you can [tell] how deeply they care for you.
TBC: How did you get into soccer?
LP: My parents put me in it when I was younger, and I did gymnastics also. But, I just stuck with it. I played basketball too, and I just love soccer the most, so I stuck with it.
TBC: What is your favourite moment from the season so far?
LP: My favorite moment is probably when we went to Hotel Broad Ripple, and we did a whole team bonding thing there. It was just really nice to get to know everyone on a deeper level, without the soccer, and [it] was really fun.
TBC: What is your pre-match superstition?
LP: I always have to get a honey, vanilla and lavender latte from Tinker [Coffee].
TBC: If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
LP: I’d probably have dinner with Trinity Rodman. She’s cool, and I like her vibes.
Emma Hamelmann is a 5’9’’ midfielder from Zionsville, Ind. Photo by Faith Delamarter.
TBC: Why did you choose to come to Butler?
EMMA HAMELMANN: I chose to come to Butler [because] I live super close, and [I] like the community here. When I came here on my visit, everyone was super friendly to me, and the coaches are very intertwined with the team, so that’s very helpful. They’re not just a coach; they’re more like part of the team with us, so it’s nice.
TBC: What is your favorite soccer memory or moment?
EH: A couple of years ago, our team went to the ECNL playoffs. We made it to the semifinals, so that was really fun. We went to Virginia, so that was a fun trip.
TBC: What are you looking forward to most this season?
EH: The [Big East] competition, [especially] Xavier.
TBC: As a midfielder, how do you feel about all the running?
EH: It’s not always fun, but I like how I get to play both offense and defense, so I think that’s a unique opportunity.
TBC: What is your dream vacation, and who would you bring with you?
EH: I want to go somewhere in Europe. I’d bring my sisters.
Maren Swan is a 5’8’’ midfielder from Troy, Mich. Photo by Faith Delamarter.
TBC: Why did you choose Butler?
MAREN SWAN: I chose Butler because as soon as I got on campus, the team felt like family. The community was great; the environment was great. The coaches were so welcoming, and it was just a great environment to be in. Everyone pushed each other on the field. Practices were great, and the way that they play on the field [together] is just so nice to watch. It’s really something that I want to be a part of.
TBC: What got you into soccer?
MS: My dad played college soccer as well, so I started playing when I was four. He was kind of like my coach, and he developed me into the player that I am today and started that passion for soccer.
TBC: On your club team, you experienced a lot of successes over the years. How do you hope to carry that success to Butler?
MS: My club team definitely shaped me into the player that I am today in terms of my competitive spirit overall. I know coming here, everyone here has that same competitive drive. My club team really fostered that spirit throughout my whole youth career. I hope to carry that onto the field here and just really blend into that.
TBC: What is your favorite soccer memory or moment?
MS: A couple of years ago, my team went to the GA Champions Cup final, and we came back after being down by two goals and won.
TBC: If you could play any other sport at the Division I level, what would it be, and why?
MS: I would want to play flag football because I think it’d be fun to be a wide receiver and score a bunch of touchdowns.
Elise May is a 5’7’’ forward from Fishers, Ind. Photo by Faith Delamarter.
TBC: Why did you choose to come to Butler?
ELISE MAY: I chose to come to Butler because I really love the team environment, and the coaches were just awesome. When I came on my visit, it just felt right compared to other schools. I also really like the school in general. I think it gives us such a great education, and it’ll be a good pathway to find my success academically.
TBC: Who is your favorite soccer player?
EM: When I was little, I’d say Alex Morgan, [but] now it’s Sophia [Wilson]. I love the way that she plays, and [she’s] someone I’ve always looked up to.
TBC: How did you become interested in soccer?
EM: [I grew] up playing it. I’ve played since I was three, and I just love it.
TBC: What are you looking forward to most this season?
EM: Definitely Big East [conference play]. I’m excited for the competition and to see how we progress because I feel like we’ve had such a great season leading up to this. I think it’ll just be a good way to display our team.
TBC: If you could speak any language, what would it be and why?
EM: Probably Spanish. I took it in high school, [and] it was [a] fun class.
Sarah Monnin is a 5’4’’ forward from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Photo by Faith Delamarter.
TBC: Why did you choose to come to Butler?
SARAH MONNIN: I knew some people who came and really liked the school, the team, [and] the play style, and I also liked [those things] when I came to visit.
TBC: What is your favorite soccer memory or moment?
SM: Last year my high school team [went to the national championship] and won. It was a [great] week altogether.
TBC: Do you have a pre-game ritual or a superstition?
SM: I used to always wear a long-sleeve [undershirt, but] it was so hot that our athletic trainer didn’t let me [wear it] anymore, so I stopped, and we have only won since then. Maybe it was the wrong superstition.
TBC: Being from Canada, have you had any culture shock?
SM: I would say mostly the language, because I’m not used to it. I’m kind of used to it, but school terms are harder. I’d [also] say fast food. There’s fast food everywhere.
TBC: If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
SM: A leopard because they are fast.