Latino’s Versatility Sparks IU’s Offense
10/2/2015 10:48:00 AM | Field Hockey
By: Sam Beishuizen | Twitter
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Maddie Latino has registered a point in six of Indiana's nine games this season.
All six have been wins.
While the sophomore shrugged off any direct correlation, it's hard to deny the impact her versatility has had on the Hoosiers this season. A combination midfielder-forward, Latino scored two goals and added an assist from the midfield in the Big Ten's opening weekend, and added two more scores on Friday against Kent State.
Latino's effort was a much-needed spark for an Indiana team still figuring out its identity midway through the season.
"I think everyone has their edge, and I definitely have more of an offensive edge to me even though I can play mid or I can play forward," Latino said. "I just think I have been able to get open and my teammates have set me up perfectly. So I've been able to finish really just doing what we're supposed to do as forwards or as mids."
Latino spent the majority of the season playing at center-forward before moving back into the midfield in IU's first Big Ten game against Iowa. The switch was partially unplanned, considering she didn't practice at the midfield too often in practice, head coach Amanda Janney said.
Janney's decision proved to be a valuable one, with Latino accounting for three goals. Moving forward, Janney said Latino may have found a better fit in the midfield with the option to move forward on an as-needed basis.
"It was a good switch for us to have her speed and her athleticism in the midfield," Janney said. "Her versatility to be able to play both at forward very well and switch to the midfield and really help us out on the midfield line, it takes a lot of talent to be able to play at different positions."
Latino's versatility fits the mold Janney likes in her players.
She's joined teammates Mollie Getzfread, Kate Barber, Taylor Pearson and Karen Lorite, among others, in being players Janney is able to pencil in at different spots along the field. It's not only a short-term benefit on the field, Janney said, but also a long-term benefit for the entire team because it makes Indiana more difficult to scout.
"Who knows where our players will be?" Janney said. "I think now we're still trying to find the perfect combination."
For now, Latino's home appears to be in the midfield. Her aggression has made her a constant threat around the net, Pearson said.
"Her aggressiveness has really led to a lot of goals," she said. "She never gives up in the circle. She's always constantly going for the ball. Nothing really holds her back."
Latino is no stranger to being in a position to score. In high school, where the competition was admittedly much weaker, she scored more than 120 goals.
After being more of a role player as a freshman, Latino has made the transition into a starting role as a sophomore and is still growing into the player she hopes to become. She leads Indiana with four assists through nine games and also has four goals to her name.
Whether Janney has Latino playing up top or at the midfield, Latino said she'll embrace the opportunity.
She said she'll play with the same intensity teammates and coaches commend her for regardless of where she lines up.
"The same aspect is every time you play in a game, you give 100 percent your best," Latino said. "We all try to do that. I think with more playing time, if you're in, you're going to give it your all. You have to give it your all on the field."
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Maddie Latino has registered a point in six of Indiana's nine games this season.
All six have been wins.
While the sophomore shrugged off any direct correlation, it's hard to deny the impact her versatility has had on the Hoosiers this season. A combination midfielder-forward, Latino scored two goals and added an assist from the midfield in the Big Ten's opening weekend, and added two more scores on Friday against Kent State.
Latino's effort was a much-needed spark for an Indiana team still figuring out its identity midway through the season.
"I think everyone has their edge, and I definitely have more of an offensive edge to me even though I can play mid or I can play forward," Latino said. "I just think I have been able to get open and my teammates have set me up perfectly. So I've been able to finish really just doing what we're supposed to do as forwards or as mids."
Latino spent the majority of the season playing at center-forward before moving back into the midfield in IU's first Big Ten game against Iowa. The switch was partially unplanned, considering she didn't practice at the midfield too often in practice, head coach Amanda Janney said.
Janney's decision proved to be a valuable one, with Latino accounting for three goals. Moving forward, Janney said Latino may have found a better fit in the midfield with the option to move forward on an as-needed basis.
"It was a good switch for us to have her speed and her athleticism in the midfield," Janney said. "Her versatility to be able to play both at forward very well and switch to the midfield and really help us out on the midfield line, it takes a lot of talent to be able to play at different positions."
Latino's versatility fits the mold Janney likes in her players.
She's joined teammates Mollie Getzfread, Kate Barber, Taylor Pearson and Karen Lorite, among others, in being players Janney is able to pencil in at different spots along the field. It's not only a short-term benefit on the field, Janney said, but also a long-term benefit for the entire team because it makes Indiana more difficult to scout.
"Who knows where our players will be?" Janney said. "I think now we're still trying to find the perfect combination."
For now, Latino's home appears to be in the midfield. Her aggression has made her a constant threat around the net, Pearson said.
"Her aggressiveness has really led to a lot of goals," she said. "She never gives up in the circle. She's always constantly going for the ball. Nothing really holds her back."
Latino is no stranger to being in a position to score. In high school, where the competition was admittedly much weaker, she scored more than 120 goals.
After being more of a role player as a freshman, Latino has made the transition into a starting role as a sophomore and is still growing into the player she hopes to become. She leads Indiana with four assists through nine games and also has four goals to her name.
Whether Janney has Latino playing up top or at the midfield, Latino said she'll embrace the opportunity.
She said she'll play with the same intensity teammates and coaches commend her for regardless of where she lines up.
"The same aspect is every time you play in a game, you give 100 percent your best," Latino said. "We all try to do that. I think with more playing time, if you're in, you're going to give it your all. You have to give it your all on the field."
Players Mentioned
Defender/Midfield
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Defender/Midfield
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Forward/Midfield
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Forward
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Midfield
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