By Pat Turner
Contributing Writer

Clark goalkeeper Christina Oswalt and defender Amanda Mello were excited the day they signed to play soccer at Our Lady of the Lake University.

The idea of playing college soccer was one thing, but getting a chance to help get the school’s women’s program off the ground made it even more appealing.

Just when everything became official, they received a scare when hearing about the blaze that devastated the school’s main building.

In the early going, rumors began to surface about the university possibly closing. However, school officials quickly made it clear that wasn’t going to happen. Thanks to overwhelming support from the community, along with a never-quit attitude, everything is back in business and the two Clark athletes are ready to get their college careers under way.

“I was shocked when I first heard there had been a fire and didn’t really know what to think,” Oswalt said. “I was scared that I might have to find another school. Then I heard everything was going to be fine.”

“It made me sad to hear the building had burned, because there was so much history there,” Mello added. “I was never worried about the school closing. I got e-mails after it happened and I knew everything was going to be fine. That was nice to know.”

Being surrounded by challenges is nothing new for Oswalt and Mello. As members of Clark’s defense they were under fire their entire high school careers. But they managed to get the upper hand the majority of those times by helping the Lady Cougars to the Class 5A playoffs every season.

This year was a different experience. With first-year coach Walter Rule taking over the program they had to learn a new defense on the run. That was especially a test for Oswalt, who didn’t get to work with the team until after basketball season ended.

They adjusted and enjoyed another post-season trip. Now, they’re in the pressure cooker as they are joining a team competing in NAIA competition for the first time.

Although college soccer is higher level of competition, they believe their experience from high school will be an advantage.

“I learned when I was trying out for the team the intensity is much higher,” Oswalt said. “I’m going to work hard during the summer. I’ll look for friends to scrimmage me and I’m hoping to find a goalie trainer.”

The main thing Oswalt wants to do is build chemistry with her teammates. As a goalkeeper, Oswalt is like the quarterback of the defense. She often sees plays developing before her teammates and the best way to make everything run smoothly is through communication.

However, Oswalt and Mello believe their years of playing together at Clark and for the same club team could be a good start.