Growing up with two older brothers and a sister involved in soccer, it was inevitable that Stephanie Freeman (Countryside) learn the sport.
Freeman, 22, is in the midst of her senior season at Florida and leading the Southeastern Conference in goals with 13, points at 28 and gamewinning goals with five.
"I started playing soccer when I was four and played forward at first," Freeman said. "As I got older, I played sweeper until I was about 13.
"I was always dribbling through to the front from the back and had a hard time staying still, so I ended up in the center at midfield," she said.
As a high-schooler, Freeman had hopes of playing Division I soccer and after her junior year at Countryside realized that her goal was within reach.
"I had a good junior year both in high school and club soccer with the Clearwater Chargers," Freeman said.
"My sister Melanie went to Florida and that played a part in my decision to go there, but mainly it was because Florida offered so much of what I wanted. It was close enough to home and yet far enough away at the same time. Florida has an awesome soccer program and good academics."
Melanie Freeman was on Florida's first soccer team in 1995 and was All-SEC twice as a defender.
Freeman followed her sister's footsteps and last year earned SEC's Player of the Year honor and was named All-American third team.
"I was extremely surprised to be selected by the SEC and know it's a great honor," Freeman said. "This year, I want to help us all play together, win the SEC and get as far as we can in the NCAA."
Playing midfield, Freeman said, requires composure and constant movement while serving as the team's playmaker. Setting up goals, scoring and defending all come under the midfielder's duties.
"I had a lot of great coaches before college, but nothing truly prepares you for college-level soccer, especially Division I soccer," Freeman said.
"In college, the game is quicker, there's greater fitness, it takes lots of time and dedication," she said.
Making the transition from high school to college forced Freeman to develop time management techniques. Her efforts were rewarded with recognition on the All-SEC honor roll the last two years.
"I learned as I went through it and my grades got steadily better, although it's not as easy as it looks," Freeman said.
"Now, I see the freshmen going through the same struggles as I did. As a tri-captain this year, one of the things I want to do is be there if needed."
SEC Offensive Player of the Week was Freeman's reward for assisting in the 2-1 upset over No. 6 Florida State and a 1-0 win over Rutgers last month.
Last week, Freeman connected on goals of 25 and 20 yards to help No. 23 Florida defeat Mississippi State 4-1.
Today's matchup with Arkansas is Senior Day and Freeman is uncertain of the impact on the four seniors, including herself.
"It's a weird feeling and I'm not sure if it's hit me yet that four years are almost done," Freeman said. "I know it will be an emotional game and I just hope we pull out a win."
Freeman has an internship this summer to complete her health science education degree requirements.
After graduation, Freeman may join the workforce in pharmaceutical sales or pursue a graduate degree.
MORE SOCCER: Ricky Hanson (Boca Ciega) is a senior midfielder at High Point University. Last year, Hanson was named to the All-Big South second team.
FOOTBALL: Junior transfer Marcus Edwards (CCC/South Florida) is gaining playing time with the Aztecs at San Diego State.
The wide receiver, whose father, Herman Edwards, coaches the New York Jets, sat out last year after transferring from South Florida where he lettered as a sophomore.
Delaware State defensive back Samuel Smith (Pinellas Park/William Penn) was named the MEAC Conference Defensive Player of the Week after posting a career-high 16 tackles - eight solo - in a 45-16 loss to Bethune-Cookman. The junior strong safety collected 2.5 sacks and two pass breakups.
Red-shirt sophomore wide receiver Jeremy Biandudi (St. Petersburg) has played in seven of Delaware's games and red-shirt junior wide receiver Freddie Middlebrooks (Gibbs) one for the Hornets.
Omonigho Imeokparia (Gibbs) is a defensive back for Delaware and Ron Mathis (Gibbs) is a red-shirt sophomore wide receiver.
Senior wide receiver David Guild (Gibbs) is earning playing time for William Penn . Timothy Atwater (Gibbs) is a second string left guard for the Statesmen and offensive lineman Tony Eveland (Gibbs) is a red-shirt freshman.
Cornerback Rashod Moulton (Lakewood) has collected 405 yards in kick returns for Fort Valley State in Georgia. The sophomore has intercepted two passes, one for a touchdown.
Antwon Chance (Dixie Hollins) is a senior offensive lineman for the Wildcats and Janssen Hayes (Gibbs) is a freshman defensive lineman.
Deon Jackson (Gibbs) is a freshman wide receiver for Florida A and M.
Tommy Ryan (Osceola) plays defensive end and tackle for the Army Black Knights. In six games, the junior has collected eight tackles.
Defensive lineman Jason Greenwood (Clearwater) participated in Jacksonville's 31-14 win over Austin Peay to take first-place in the Pioneer Football League with a 2-0 record.
Also on the Dolphin squad are receiver Bradley Sommerville (Clearwater), linebacker Elliot Ramsberger (St. Petersburg Catholic) and defensive back Byron Berthelot (Shorecrest).
VOLLEYBALL: Gardner-Webb setter Melanie Custer (Clearwater) collected 30 assists and six digs in a 3-0 loss to Jacksonville. The senior has 1,814 career assists.
