Indiana University Athletics
Indiana's Last Line of Defense
9/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Last season, the Hoosiers rewrote the record books, due in large to their defense and in particular the goalkeepers.
Exner returns as one of the nation's top keepers. Last season, the first team All-Big Ten selection and three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week became the winningest goalkeeper in program history with 17 victories. Exner registered an impressive 138 saves and a goals against average of 2.14. In 2005, Exner led the conference in save percentage at .798 and ranked second in saves. Against Big Ten opponents, the San Diego, Calif., native led the league in saves (55), saves per game average (9.17) and save percentage (.833).
Manson returns in the backup role after recording 42 minutes in goal and a save percentage of 1.000, notching three saves in her freshman campaign.
Exner began her field hockey career as a defender at perennial field hockey power Scripps Ranch High School in San Diego, Calif. Midway through her freshman season at Scripps Ranch, the team needed a goalkeeper and her coach approached her for the role because of her size and strength. Manson, on the other hand, began her field hockey career at goalkeeper.
The pressure and having the game on the line is what makes playing goalkeeper worthwhile for Exner.
"In goal, I can see everything that is happening on the field," Exner said. "I am the type of player who thrives under pressure. When you play goalie, you have the power to either make or break a game. There is no bigger thrill than to make a big save for your team in an important game. I put a lot of pressure on myself, probably more than I should, but that's common for keepers. You are the last line of defense, and you have to do everything you can to stop the other team from scoring. A goalie's job is to not let balls go in the goal, so when someone scores on you, you didn't do your job and that's tough to swallow sometimes."
Manson's favorite part of the position is the leadership role the keeper assumes as soon as she takes the field.
"My favorite part about being a goalkeeper is being able to have that commanding presence on the field," Manson said. "Everyone respects you and that position. Goalkeepers have to take a lot of responsibility for the team and its success. The pressure is what makes a big save that much better. When a field player makes a mistake, there is often time to recover. When a goalkeeper makes a mistake, it shows up on the scoreboard."
Exner believes that goalkeepers are often their harshest critics and playing the position requires mental toughness.
"What makes good goalkeepers is that they always know they can do better. I try to improve in every single game and every practice," Exner said.
Although the position is very rewarding, it has its challenges as well. For safety, goalkeepers wear more than 10 pounds of pads, including a helmet, chest protector, throat guard, leg guards and gloves.
"The hardest part of playing goalkeeper is putting on all of the pads everyday," Exner said. "There are times when I wish I was a field player and all I had to wear was a pair of shin guards. I've been putting the pads on for so many games and practices in my career, that it has almost become apart of me. As a goalkeeper, you not only have wear all of the pads, but you are responsible for taking them everywhere and cleaning them."
In addition to an inordinate amount of equipment, Manson loves the individual matchups against opponents.
"The most difficult scenario for a goalkeeper is a one-on-one, especially when you are up against an attacker like Lydia (Schrott) who has so many moves and such a great shot that it's hard to anticipate what they are going to do," Manson said. "Being patient in that situation is hard and once you make a decision, you have to commit and hope you can make the stop."
According to Exner, a goalkeeper must take control of the situation and assist her fellow defenders.
"The goalkeeper has to assume a leadership role," Exner said. "Goalkeeper is the only position on the field that can see the whole game. I can see a lot of things the defenders can't, so I try to help them out and direct them. Communication is a huge part of being a goalkeeper."
Both goalkeepers agree that they would not have the success they have had if it wasn't for each other. Over the past season, the Hoosier keepers have become very close and continually push one another to become better.
"Jobi is one of my best friends, both on and off the field," Exner said. "I have never gotten along with another teammate, let alone a goalie, like I do with Jobi. We both are very lighthearted, but we push each other at the same time. I am so lucky to have her as a teammate, especially at the same position. She is a huge reason why I love this program so much."
Manson believes Exner is the heart and soul of the 2006 squad, along with being one of her greatest friends and role models.
"I know I couldn't do what I do or be the player I am without Haley," Manson said. "I would not want to share the position with anyone else but her. I have learned more from Haley than I have from any other coach. She has taught me so much about the game. She is amazing to play under. She is such a great leader and role model for me. She takes on the pressure of the entire team, and she never lets anyone down. Haley has an extremely commanding presence on the field and everyone looks up to her and respects her."
Goalkeeper camaraderie is a Hoosier tradition.
"Cage talk started several years ago when Katie Kanara played here," Exner said. "Cage talk happens when the drills for the field players switch or there is some kind of down time for the keepers. Jobi and I will typically sit on the back of the cage and talk about all kinds of things. It's a private thing that just the goalkeepers do."
Whether it's on or off the field, the Indiana goalkeepers have formed a bond and a friendship that will last long after their time as an Indiana keepers are over. The pressure, the challenges and the cage talk are all part of the experience for goalkeepers.
