CAS Women Soccer Players Shine on Field and in Classroom

American University's women's soccer team is off to a winning start, with a new coaching staff and high hopes for a chance to earn a spot in the Patriot League Tournament in November.

It would be a first for the team, which started the season with an early win against the University of Maryland. The team's 4-1-1 start through its opening six games was its best non-conference winning percentage since 1996.

Team captain Jordan Mahony

"We have been capable in past years but have not completed an entire season at the highest level we can in a few years," says team captain Jordan Mahony '25, who is majoring in Data Science and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. "This year, more than ever, I can feel the energy rooted deeply in this team to continue to stay motivated throughout the entire season and use our non-conference wins to fuel us for our Patriot League rivals."

For Mahony, who has been team captain for consecutive years, American University is a family affair-her sister Olivia Mahony (data science and justice, law, and criminology '22) also played on the team-which made AU very attractive to Mahony during the recruitment process. "I think the Patriot League is a very respected league in the Division I soccer world, and I am proud to be part of that," she says. "I also love being so close to the city but having a secluded campus. Between my sister and the new coaching staff, I was very excited to be part of the American University Women's Soccer team family."

Brooke Steel

Mahony's teammate and fellow College of Arts and Sciences student Brooke Steel '25 says she fell in love with the players and team culture during her official visit during sophomore year of high school. Steel, a biology major at the College, believes in the team's ability to continue its winning streak. "This team has already broken records and we are excited to break more," she says. "We have a special spark and combination between each and every member of the team, and that shows, on and off the field. The combined focus with fun mentality is something we all carry, and I am so thankful to be a part of it."

Balancing Acts

AU Women's Soccer Head Coach Marsha Harper notes that Mahony and Steel are exceptional student-athletes, but also model citizens with an impressive ability to juggle multiple roles and tasks. "Each of them stands firmly in their respective core values and carry those out daily in how they navigate the world," she says. "I'm sure that it comes as no surprise that they are outstanding students in the classroom all while juggling practice, lifts, games, leadership meetings, you name it! Their ability to do it all at such a high level consistently day in and day out showing up for their teammates in such a selfless manner each and every day at its core is what makes this team so special."

Both Mahony and Steel acknowledge it can be challenging to balance athletics and scholarship. "It is a hard job. Every student-athlete across the country knows how much you have to plan and manage your time to accomplish goals both on and off the field," Steel says.

Brooke Steel

Despite this, Steel has achieved quite a lot during her time at AU. She was named to the 2023 Patriot League Academic All-League team for her success on the field and in the classroom. She received the award during her junior year when she achieved a 3.98 GPA and recorded three goals and an assist - two of those goals were game winners against Army and Navy. She is certified as a Clinical Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, and EKG Technician. And on the side, she's found time to pursue hobbies that ground her and relieve stress, from sewing and painting to doing nails.

The upside, she adds, is that planning and time management are life skills that will serve her well going forward. "We are lucky enough to learn the accelerated version of these skills," she says.

Jordan Mahony

Mahony agrees. "I always am writing down and crossing off on my to-do list with homework, study hall hours, emails I need to send, and conversations I want to have with teammates or coaches," she says. "Having an evolving list is very helpful for me to just keep track and visualize what needs to be done, rather than allowing it to all get lost in my brain."

In addition to her position as team captain for two years, Mahony has brought her skills to Under Armour as a summer intern, and a part-time soccer coach for children at DC Soccer Club. She also led Campus Captain, a mental health awareness resource for student-athletes, and served as the founder of AU's WISSP (Women in STEM Solving Problems), working through the Covid epidemic to create personal hygiene products for women in Dzaleka, a refugee camp in Malawi.

Looking Forward

Both Mahony and Steel find support at AU. Mahony says that she has made some of her best friends at AU, with similar goals and priorities that encourage growth internally and externally. Steel says, "I rely on different aspects of the AU community in different ways, and I always feel loved and supported. There are always people I know I can go to for advice or just a hug if I need it. AU has been a very special place because of the people I have been surrounded by, and the sisters I have made throughout my time here."

When asked about her professional dreams, Mahony does not have one specific job title in mind, but she sees herself working in the sports world, with an emphasis on using her data analysis skills. "I have a passion for finding solutions," she says, "and we are lucky enough to have technology advancements that give us access to so much data that can be used to predict future situations or at least prepare better."

Steel plans to work as a medical assistant after finishing the fall soccer season. She also plans to apply to Physician Assistant (PA) programs to continue her career in the medial field, and she is interested in perusing a surgical subspecialty as a PA.

As for now, Mahony and Steel are focused on a winning season. Coach Harper agrees. "This group [of teammates] comes from such uniquely eclectic backgrounds, yet they are so cohesive in their desire to chase history," she says. "Collectively, their dedication and commitment to the process has created such a contagiously invigorating environment. The way that they are working, their success will be undeniable."

As for the College of Arts and Sciences, we are looking forward to cheering on Brooke and Jordan - both on the field and in the classroom!"

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