Panther Profile

Senior forward Chelsie Hochstedler has many goals in mind when it comes to soccer. One of those goals is scoring goals, which is something she has become quite accustomed to on the University of Northern Iowa women's soccer team.  In a recent match against Northern Illinois University, Hochstedler scored the 21st goal of her collegiate career, thus making her the leading scorer in University of Northern Iowa history.  UNI's previous holder was Shanon Dechant.

"To be honest it doesn't feel any different at all," said Hochstedler. "I'm glad that I have been able to accomplish a goal that I had set for myself since freshman year, but the most important part is that we are winning. You can't play soccer individually; it's a team sport. That's how you win games, the team," she continued.

Hochstedler has been playing soccer since she was five years old. She has also been playing competitively since she was 12 years old, playing for teams in the Cedar Rapids Soccer Association and in West Des Moines.

She chose Northern Iowa because she saw a future here and knew that she wanted to go somewhere she could see a lot of playing time.  This season Hochstedler should see plenty of action on the field. She hopes the Panther women will do well this season.

"Team goals for this year are to have a winning season, beat in-state schools such as Iowa and Iowa State, and to make it to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and be successful," said Hochstedler. "Individual goals that I have this year are, obviously to try to break the scoring record, to possess the ball up top better, and look to take defenders on more when I have the chance to. And as one of the captains, I want to make sure that everybody is on the same page as a team, and that all the girls are having fun," she continued.

Hochstedler also seems to be enjoying the companionship of her fellow team members.

"The team chemistry has been the best this year than any other. We have 10 new freshmen this year and they each bring something new to our team," said Hochstedler. "They have all been working really hard, and mesh well with the upperclassmen and sophomores.

"The sophomore class has really stepped it up this year and we have some big contributors from them. Us seniors really want to be successful this year, and I know that the team would like to see us go out on top," said Hochstedler.

Looking closely at the MVC, Hochstedler thinks that Drake University and Creighton University are UNI's two biggest rivals.

"We have always been so close to beating Creighton. Whenever we play them, it becomes a big game," said Hochstedler.

The senior captain has great role models in her parents.  Her parents have pushed her to try hard at everything she does.

"I would not be the person today that I am today if it wasn't for them because I always (think) in the back of my head to try harder," said Hochstedler. "They have come to almost every game or sporting event that I have ever been in. Soccer games, track meets, cross country meets, basketball, everything. My dad is exactly like my personality and my mom is the exact opposite, but they both have had such a big influence on my success through the years," said Hochstedler.

The leading goal scorer has a very competitive mindset.  Her coach thinks that she is a very nice girl off the field and a not-so-nice girl on the field.  Her competitive personality helps motivate her.

"The other thing that motivates me is my teammates and that I know that they want to win and be successful. The seniors have been through a lot with three different coaches. They deserve it," says Hochstedler.

Other hobbies that the senior enjoys are boating, wakeboarding and skiing. She also attends Prairie Lakes Church, watches ESPN too much and loves hanging out with her friends.

No matter what the season brings, Hochstedler is happy with the relationships she has formed on the Panther soccer team.

"I have made some of my best friends being on the soccer team and I wouldn't trade it for anything," said Hochstedler. "Yeah, we haven't been as successful in the past, but that doesn't mean that we don't want it any less."

The Panthers' next game will be against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Cedar Valley Sports Complex in Waterloo on Sept. 5 at 2 p.m.