This fall, Madi Lippay ‘26 will be taking her talents off the track, and onto the pitch as goalkeeper for the Ursinus Women’s Soccer Team. After hanging up her cleats in high school, Lippay went on to pursue a collegiate track and field career for the Bears, competing mainly in high jump over the past two seasons. However, last spring she found herself missing her days on the field.
“Track is a very singular sport. We are all working for the same goal, but at the same time you are doing it alone most of the time,” Lippay said. “I missed the team dynamic…and I missed contributing to something greater than myself.”
Being a dual athlete for soccer and track is not surprising, as the sports seemingly go hand in hand. However, what does come as a surprise is Lippay suiting up for the team as goalkeeper. When discussing her position, she explained that the team was in need of another goalie, and she wanted to play wherever she could benefit them the most.
“In the past I have always been a versatile player,” said Lippay. “If [my former coach] needed us to score I’d be on offense…If he needed us to make saves, I’d be goalie…I just like doing what is best for my team.”
As for her experience so far in the season, Lippay has nothing but positive things to say.
“All the girls on the team are very humble, dedicated, and hard-working ladies that take their sport very seriously, ” she said.
Before the season got underway Lippay was initially nervous about joining the team, having not played the past two years.
“I wanted the girls to believe that I belonged there, and I knew that I needed to prove myself to them,” she said. “The part I was most nervous about was building relationships with the girls…they’ve been together for so long… but now I have great [bonds] with a lot of them.”
While Lippay is thrilled with her decision to join the team, she expressed that transitioning into soccer as a two-sport athlete has not come without its challenges.
“College soccer is a lot more demanding than high school,” Lippay said. “Our coach expects us to play hard and play the way she shows us.”
She also explained that she has much less free time as opposed to previous years, but that she is managing it well.
“I was worried about how demanding the time would be for soccer,” Lippay said. “But it isn’t that bad, and I still have time for schoolwork and hanging out with my friends,”
Her approach to managing the stress is just taking it one season at a time.
“When it’s soccer season, I focus on soccer, and when it’s track season I focus on track,” Lippay said.
When asked if she had a favorite sport she jokingly responded, “In high school when I played soccer, basketball, and track, whatever season I was in was my favorite. So, this year I’m sticking to that same mindset.”
Currently Lippay is injured, having suffered a minor muscle tear in the team’s preseason. However, we look forward to seeing her back in goal soon to make her first ever appearance for the Bears.