Price bounces back for solid senior season
by Jim Sawin, sports information intern
CEDARVILLE, Ohio (11-14-2006) - Five concusions - that would stop many people from playing contact sports, but not Abby Price. After accidentally getting elbowed in the head by her own teammate during practice halfway through last soccer season, Price was forced to hang up her spikes for the remainder of the year. It was a difficult time for the NCCAA All-America Scholar-Athlete as she was left with persistent headdaches for two straight months.
"The headdaches were pretty bad and it was hard not being able to play," said Price. "But my professors were very understanding when they heard about my condition and were willing to work with me throughout the rest of the year which helped the process a lot."
Despite the injury, the senior captain made an astounding comeback in her final season, recording five goals and two assists for 12 points from the midfielder position which was good for third on the team. She was named to the All-AMC First Team from a Lady Jacket team that finished 7-10-2 and advanced to the NCCAA Midwest Region semifinal
Abby credits much of the team's past successes to Head Coach John McGillivray. Price especially is impressed with how he relates everything to playing for the glory of God no matter what the scoreboard reads.
"Several years ago the team came up with the saying 'All for the Glory of God' and they all get together to talk about that before going onto the field to start the game," mentioned McGillivray. "The girls are committed to it; however, it is a work in progress so we constantly have to stop and evaluate our actions, our motives, and our hearts."
Although soccer has taken up a lot of Abby's precious time, her passion for ministry has not been affected. Just this past August, Abby and twelve of her teammates went to South Africa on a mission trip. They worked with Ambassador in Sport in Capetown to minister to children, prisoners, and peers. Some of the players' activities included competing against top national club teams, teaching soccer clinics for kids, and visiting homeless shelters.
"Our goal was to build relationships and further God's kingdom," stated Price. "And a few girls made decisions for Christ; it was amazing."
Abby has also served in Costa Rica and Guatamala during her time at Cedarville University while working with kids at soccer camps during the summer.
"I love working with kids whether it be babysitting or coaching," said Price. "I would like to eventually coach junior high or high school soccer."
Abby will graduate this year with a degree in early childhood education where she will be certified to teach preschool through third grade. Her recent engagement to former CU soccer player Tyler Schumacher has Abby looking forward to being a "mom and a coach" someday in the future.
