White, Omae Honored for Lady Eagle Resurgence by Carter Moles A resurgence of relevance transpired for the Faulkner women’s soccer team this fall, seeing a program which has been 37-77-7 since its last winning season in 2011 conclude the campaign 8-8-1. Leading the charge for Head Coach Pritchard Ndaira are two newcomers who resoundingly introduced themselves to conference prominence–Megan White and Nanako Omae. White, a freshman goalkeeper from San Angelo, Texas, shattered the Lady Eagles’ single-season record for shutouts with eight in her first term between the sticks. This tied the career record for a Faulkner women’s soccer player and garnered her first team All-SSAC honors, marking the first time a Lady Eagle has been listed on the league’s top team since 2011.
“Individually, I just want to get better. I broke a couple records this year, and I want to break them again. I want the Golden Gloves [award given to best goalkeeper].” White contributes her success to her parents dedication to developing her abilities on the field. “Living in Texas for soccer you have to drive four hours there and back just to play club and high school. My dad was my first coach. He taught me like a baseball player how to judge the ball. If it were not for him, I wouldn’t be playing anywhere.”
“I was very surprised that I got something letting in [29] goals” White said regarding the postseason accolade. “It was quite a shock.”
Despite growing up 6,568 miles apart, White and Omae received a similar parental push to be the players they are today.
The 29 goals allowed pales in comparison to the other statistics that leaped off of each match’s box scores, however. The netminder stopped 117 attempts on target while stifling countless other attempts before they transpired into shots for a mind-boggling 80.1 save
“My dad was my first coach in elementary school,” Omae said.
Nanako Omae plays midfield for the Faulkner Women’s Soccer team
14
percentage–also a program record.
Faulkner Magazine
Her dad held her to high standards even at a young age.
Megan White plays goalkeeper for the Faulkner Women’s Soccer team
