Tucson, ARIZ. – As a high school senior last season, Maddie Bennett spent her winter nights watching Arizona Soccer's deep run into the NCAA tournament last season. The team closed their season in the Round of 16, after defeating Northern Colorado and Santa Clara in the first two rounds.
"I was so excited," said Bennett. "To make it that far, that's awesome. I think we can go that far or further this season."
And now, on the other side of the screen, Bennett can be a part of Arizona's success. The change from her home to the field has been a good one for her.
"It's crazy, it's so cool," she said. "I had been watching on TV or on the computer and now I am actually playing. It's so different and so fun knowing that everyone is watching and that you are playing for your school that can go that far."
Bennett has played in all three matches for the Wildcats this season and started in the season opener against Pepperdine. She scored her first goal in the 46th minute of Arizona's 5-1 rout of Utah Valley.
"There were a million thoughts going through my head," said Bennett. "I was so excited, like wow that was my first college goal. I was so happy. I saw a picture and I don't remember jumping that high in the air, but apparently I did. It was awesome."
She's fully embraced the culture here with the Wildcats, too. One word to describe her season thus far?
"Exciting. You never know what's coming at you," said Bennett. "One day you practice this and the next day you're playing a team that does something totally different. It's so exciting to switch it up quickly and to be on your toes. It's always fun."
And she's not done yet. Bennett is a part of Arizona's offense this season, who has generated 51 shots and scored eight goals in only three matches. This season, Bennett has only one goal in mind.
"Making a good run in the NCAA tournament," said Bennett. "Coming from last year, being in the Round of 16, it was cool to watch. I am hoping that we can get to there or past there and I think we have a good shot at that. That's what I am really looking forward to most this season."
The experience at Arizona games will be a component of that success. The culture that head coach Tony Amato has developed at Mulcahy Stadium makes an impact on the team.
"It definitely motivates me, along with the team," said Bennett. "Everyone yelling from the stands, being under the lights, having the encouragement from the fans is great. Seeing little kids, soccer teams and alumni in the stands. The whole atmosphere is very exciting and it gets you ready to play, it pumps you up."
Now it's your turn to Experience It Yourself at Arizona's home matches this season. You can pick up season tickets at ArizonaWildcats.com or purchase tickets at the door.
The Arizona Wildcats continue their regular season this weekend in Tempe, Ariz. at the Sun Devil Desert Classic. Arizona plays Denver at 7 p.m. MST on Friday, Sept. 2 and Columbia at 11 a.m. MST on Sunday, Sept. 4.
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