Hope Sabadash

Soccer player Hope Sabadash is the athlete of the week. Sabadash, a sophomore majoring in industrial technology, is from Mississauga, Ontario in Canada. In her freshman year, Sabadash accumulated many honors and titles, including first team NSCAA All-Central Region, All-Southland Conference and All-Louisiana honors. She was recently nominated for the All White Kit Golden Glove Award for the nation’s top goalkeeper, taking her place among 15 other girls being recognized as top goalkeepers in the nation.

The Lion’s Roar: How did you get into soccer?

Hope Sabadash: I begged my parents when I was about four, trying to get them to get me into soccer. They finally let me; I think I was about five and a half.

TLR: If you could play any other position than goalie, what would it be?

HS: I wouldn’t. I’m a goalkeeper for life. I wouldn’t play any other position.

TLR: How did you get into goal-keeping?

HS: I was playing House League (you guys call it Rec), when I was younger. I was about seven. My dad was the head coach, and as a punishment because I wasn’t listening to him, he threw me in the net. I liked it and never came out.

TLR: What is it like playing for SLU and being a Conference Champion?

HS: It’s pretty good and great to be here with everybody. It’s like family, so putting the championship on it makes it that much better.

TLR: What is it like being an international player?

HS: It’s OK. It’s nice not being the only international player on the team. We have a couple of them on our team so it’s a lot more comforting to know that they’re here. My team is always comforting; even if I get homesick, they’re always there to help me out.

TLR: What are your hopes after college?

HS: Hopefully, I’ll play professional. I’m not sure about what team or where or anything like that, but that’s my goal.

TLR: What is your most memorable moment from playing soccer here?

HS: Definitely the Conference Tournament. That was probably the greatest feeling I ever had after saving that last PK and having everybody run at me and everybody falling to the ground and screaming and yelling.

TLR: Do you have any goals for this upcoming season?

HS: I want to go back to Conference and win it again, go to the NCAA Tournament and win a few games. Just get back in there.

TLR: How do you feel about being nominated for the AWK Award for the nation’s top goalkeeper?

HS: It’s a good feeling. I’m honored just to be looked at, and to be one of the top 15 in the nation is pretty cool. 

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