Snell leads Broncos with 7 goals

By Chris Furnari

Meagan Snell is the women soccer team's leading scorer this season, but the junior wasn't always so adept at netting goals.

In high school, numerous coaches tried to convince her that she would never play Division I college soccer.

"My parents and coaches were pushing me towards cross country and track, and one coach even told me I would never play in college period," said Snell.

Snell, a native of southern California, made it her mission to do exactly the opposite.

"I have such a passion for soccer, and I love to go out and play, so someone telling me I couldn't do it only made me work harder," said Snell.

Snell kept improving throughout her high school career, attending numerous soccer camps, Olympic Development Programs, as well as playing for the state and regional soccer teams. Erin Chastain, one of the Broncos' coaches, noticed Snell at the Stanford soccer camp and began recruiting her.

"My first year, I was completely overwhelmed," said Snell, "I was intimidated by some of the big name players and really had no idea what I had gotten myself into."

Now, Snell has already earned two West Coast Conference Player of the Week honors, and most recently the WCC Player of the Month award for September.

The junior forward has netted seven goals this season and is quickly being pointed to as the team's most valuable player.

"The person on your team who can score the most goals is obviously going to be one of the most valuable players," said head coach Jerry Smith. "But not only is she scoring goals, but they've been key goals against ranked teams."

Now in her third year as a Bronco, Snell has developed into the team's go-to player who plays on both sides of the ball.

"Our team is one of the best defensive teams in the country," said Smith, referring to the 10 shutouts his team has recorded. "And Meagan has been a major part in that. She's been a great example to the other forwards on the team on how hard you need to work on the defensive side."

Snell has assumed a leadership role for the Broncos and credits that to the players who came before her.

"I learned so much from watching older players by basically being a sponge and soaking up as much knowledge as I could, and it's in turn made me more confident," Snell said.

Snell is really looking forward to the team's only regular season match against conference rivals Portland. In past years, this game has determined which team takes home the conference championship.

"I think everyone on the team wants to come out and avenge our loss from last year," said Snell. "I know I'm ready to go out and prove that we're better."

The Broncos will get the opportunity for revenge at home on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m.

Contact Chris Furnari at (408) 551-1918 or cfurnari@scu.edu.