For players like junior midfielder Carina Lageyre, the day's events brought a mix of emotions, from the thrill of being on this stage to the gravity of the task ahead. "It's been really exciting. I think it's all becoming more real now and feeling real," explained Lageyre. "We're all just really collectively excited to just go out and show how we've been playing all season and continue to get better on the biggest stage to continue what we're doing."
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Despite the stakes, the Blue Devils are finding ways to stay grounded. Balancing the nerves with excitement is key, but channeling that energy the right way. Lageyre echoed this statement, explaining:
"There's are so many storylines that could go well and I think just like getting our mind off, like having fun while also having those nerves and balancing the two because we know when you're nervous, it means you care. So, I think just showing a balance of that excited and nervousness in the game."
The media day activities -- practice on site, walk through on the game field, photo shoots, and interviews with ESPNU announcers -- helped the team embrace the moment and focus on the challenge ahead.
"Once we got here seeing all the decorations and everything shows its official," added Lageyre. "It just gets us in the right head space and we just know what's at stake. It makes us understand the stakes, seeing it and writing, like seeing it on the board. So, it's really awesome to be part of that experience and just to be with such great people."
For graduate captain Maggie Graham, the day felt different from her previous experiences at WakeMed. Having played on this field before during her junior year, Graham stressed that this time the stakes are on another level. However, what kept the team grounded was taking each event from today step by step.
"All the events we get gotten to do today, getting the practice on the field and getting to do all this media, it gets you to that exciting point of, 'Oh, this is really cool what we're doing.' It's huge for confidence that we made the College Cup, but at the same time, work's not done. We need to win the game tomorrow. So, its all about balancing the excitement to be here with the nerves at the same time."
For fifth year Katie Groff, the venue adds a personal layer to the journey. A familiar face at WakeMed Soccer Park, Groff grew up playing on these fields and now returns for the final chapter of her collegiate career.
"I remember training here a decade ago, which is kind of crazy, and also just last summer with summer league. So there is a sense of familiarity, and also it makes me a bit nostalgic," reflected Groff. "I started my career on some of these fields, and I'll be ending my career here too. So it's a nice way to close that book."
As the Blue Devils prepare to take the field, the energy and camaraderie of media day have provided them with a sense of unity and purpose. With their eyes set on continuing their remarkable season, they are ready to embrace the challenge and make their mark on college soccer's biggest stage as the countdown to kickoff begins.
Watch Division I Women's Soccer Semifinal 2 Game Live Stream Online From Anywhere. No cable or VPN required. One Time Payment, No Hidden Fees.
Click To: Carolina vs Duke Women's Soccer Live Anywhere Low Price
Click To: Division I Women's Soccer Semifinal 2 Game Live Anywhere Low Price
Despite the stakes, the Blue Devils are finding ways to stay grounded. Balancing the nerves with excitement is key, but channeling that energy the right way. Lageyre echoed this statement, explaining:
"There's are so many storylines that could go well and I think just like getting our mind off, like having fun while also having those nerves and balancing the two because we know when you're nervous, it means you care. So, I think just showing a balance of that excited and nervousness in the game."
The media day activities -- practice on site, walk through on the game field, photo shoots, and interviews with ESPNU announcers -- helped the team embrace the moment and focus on the challenge ahead.
"Once we got here seeing all the decorations and everything shows its official," added Lageyre. "It just gets us in the right head space and we just know what's at stake. It makes us understand the stakes, seeing it and writing, like seeing it on the board. So, it's really awesome to be part of that experience and just to be with such great people."
For graduate captain Maggie Graham, the day felt different from her previous experiences at WakeMed. Having played on this field before during her junior year, Graham stressed that this time the stakes are on another level. However, what kept the team grounded was taking each event from today step by step.
"All the events we get gotten to do today, getting the practice on the field and getting to do all this media, it gets you to that exciting point of, 'Oh, this is really cool what we're doing.' It's huge for confidence that we made the College Cup, but at the same time, work's not done. We need to win the game tomorrow. So, its all about balancing the excitement to be here with the nerves at the same time."
For fifth year Katie Groff, the venue adds a personal layer to the journey. A familiar face at WakeMed Soccer Park, Groff grew up playing on these fields and now returns for the final chapter of her collegiate career.
"I remember training here a decade ago, which is kind of crazy, and also just last summer with summer league. So there is a sense of familiarity, and also it makes me a bit nostalgic," reflected Groff. "I started my career on some of these fields, and I'll be ending my career here too. So it's a nice way to close that book."
As the Blue Devils prepare to take the field, the energy and camaraderie of media day have provided them with a sense of unity and purpose. With their eyes set on continuing their remarkable season, they are ready to embrace the challenge and make their mark on college soccer's biggest stage as the countdown to kickoff begins.