The Milan News-Leader
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Donahue takes on goalkeeper role
Meghan Donahue last played goalie in the eighth grade
By Brian Cox, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: March 22, 2007
Tending goal is like riding a bike -- sort of.
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The last time Milan varsity girls' soccer team's new starting goalkeeper, Meghan Donahue, minded the net she was in the eighth grade.
She admits she has a few things to brush up on, but she expects the art of goalkeeping will come back to her quickly.
"I have to re-learn diving and some hand skills," said the junior, who for the last two years has played center midfielder. "But I feel comfortable in front of the net."
A longtime competitive swimmer, Donahue has played soccer since the first grade and spent much of that time up through middle school as goalie.
As a backup midfielder last year, Donahue started three games and recorded two goals and two assists.
When last year's starting goalie, Alex Lintner, moved out of the district this fall, Donahue saw an opportunity to return to her old position and take up a leadership role.
"I'm a natural leader and very vocal on the field," Donahue said. "Goalie gives me the chance to see the whole field and tell people where they should be."
Coach Phil Zuber said he was at first concerned about who would fill Lintner's spot, but Donahue has stilled his worries.
"She has a lot of upper body strength and reacts to the ball well," Zuber said. "She's going to be a great addition to the team. I'm happy for it and I think she's happy for it."
Donahue said it helps that she has great confidence in the defense in front of her.
"The defense is really good," she said. "It's reassuring knowing those four girls played together last year and really know each other."
Still, she admits she has inherited a lot of pressure taking on the goalie responsibilities.
"It can be a little nerve-wracking," she said.
She does not think so much about filling Lintner's shoes as she does staking her claim to the role.
"I am who I am," said Donahue. "I've got to prove to my team I'm good at the spot."
Staff Writer Brian Cox can be reached at 429-7380 or bcox@heritage.com.
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