TCU Soccer 25th Anniversary Q&A with Lizzy Karoly
8/30/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 30, 2011
The 2011 season marks the 25th anniversary of TCU women's soccer. GoFrogs.com will commemorate this milestone by sitting down with former players of the program to catch up on what they are up to today and reflect on the impact that TCU and the soccer program has made in their lives.
Lizzy Karoly was one of the most beloved Horned Frog players, suiting up for head coach Dan Abdalla from 2006-09. The Escondido, Calif., native graduated as TCU's all-time leader in goals scored (27) and was a catalyst on the 2008 team that went 14-4-2. As a junior in 2008, Karoly was ranked in the top-30 in the NCAA in points per game and goals per game, while netting four game-winning goals during the season. She was also a standout in the classroom, earning a pair of CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District honors in her career.
Karoly graduated from TCU in May 2010 with a dual degree in Broadcast Journalism and Communication Studies. She recently moved home to California after spending a year in South Africa, working for a nonprofit organization that uses soccer as a communication tool with the youth of Africa. Check out a PHOTO GALLERY of some of Karoly's experiences in South Africa.
Talk about what you have been doing since graduating from TCU?
"After graduation, I moved to Port Elizabeth, South Africa to do a volunteer internship with a nonprofit organization called Grassroot Soccer. The organization uses soccer as a tool to educate youth in Africa about HIV & AIDS as well as empower them with life skills. I just moved back to California and now I am currently looking for a job in the sport for development and nonprofit field. I would love to do one more year abroad. I am just searching for the right opportunity." Click HERE to find out more about Grassroot Soccer.
What was it like helping out the children through soccer?
"It was the best year of my life and I had an absolutely amazing experience. Being able to use soccer to help educate and empower youth was a dream come true. Soccer has been such a huge part of my life and I really wanted to be able to give back a part of what it gave me. Volunteering with Grassroot Soccer was the perfect opportunity for me to put my skills and passions to use."
How did you end up playing soccer at TCU from California?
"I ended up playing soccer at TCU due to pure chance. During my junior year of high school, I was playing a club game in California. The coach of the opposing team happened to be [TCU head coach Dan Abdalla's] brother and I happened to have a very good game and scored a few goals. After the game, he called Dan and asked if he was still looking for a striker at TCU. Dan said yes and a few weeks later, I found myself on an official visit at TCU. As soon as I saw the campus and Fort Worth, I knew that TCU was the school for me."
What are some of your greatest memories of playing soccer at TCU?
"Looking back on it, I think some of my favorite memories were things like our cheer and chant before the game started, the little jokes our team shared, singing the fight song in front of our fans after winning home games and seeing just how excited kids would get to have our autograph and take a picture with us. I really loved the buzz and atmosphere at our home games and you could tell just how supportive the community was. It was really encouraging."
How did your Horned Frog career prepare you for life after graduation?
"I learned a lot both on and off the field at TCU. Playing soccer at TCU equipped me with so many skills that I have been able to translate to my life outside of TCU and soccer. I learned hard work, time management and determination. I learned what it means to be fully and truly committed to something."
When was the last time you were on campus? Do you plan on making a return trip soon?
"On my way back to the States from South Africa, I stopped in Texas to see some of my friends and former teammates. It was so great to see them after being gone for a year. I had the chance to return to campus and I couldn't believe how much has changed. I also saw the Jane Justin Field House for the first time. I have to admit that I am so jealous of the girls on the team who get to use that facility. It is amazing! I also just couldn't believe how much the campus has changed in a matter of a year, but it really looks great. I am planning on making a trip back to Fort Worth sometime in September or October to catch a soccer and football game."
What is one piece of advice that you would give the 2011 team?
"The one piece of advice I would offer is to not take any of the opportunities, resources, facilities, or experiences you have been given for granted. Appreciate and enjoy every minute of the TCU soccer experience and work as hard as you can to make it a successful one because before you know it your four years will be over."
