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The University of Mississippi Athletics
In The Spotlight: Regan Scanlon
9/26/2000 | Soccer
Sept. 26, 2000
By David PedenSports Information Student Assistant
When Regan Scanlon came to Ole Miss, she joined a soccer program that was only two years old and had only had one Southeastern Conference win. After just a short time, the senior forward is leading the way, as the Rebels look to repeat as SEC Western Division champions in 2000.
"It's awesome how this program has grown," Scanlon said. "We have been able to set our goals higher each season. My first year no one really understood what it took to make the SEC Tournament. Now, we expect to go every year."
Scanlon, who was named SEC Player of the Week following the LSU Invitational in early September, is one of the main reasons why Ole Miss soccer is making an impact in the SEC and on the national scene. After nine games this season, Scanlon has eight points on three goals and two assists, and she finished the 1999 campaign as the squad's second-leading scorer with 26 points (9 goals, 8 assists). Despite still having over half of the 2000 season to play, Scanlon's name is already on the career lists in the Ole Miss soccer record book. She is third in total points (76) and assists (23) and is tied for third in goals scored (27).
Although Scanlon is quick to shy away from individual accomplishments, Rebel head coach Steve Holeman realizes how valuable Scanlon has been to the Ole Miss soccer program.
"I wish I had more than one Regan Scanlon on my team," said Holeman, who is in his sixth year as head coach of the Rebel soccer program. "She is an incredibly hard worker and just loves to compete."
However, Scanlon is focusing on the team's goals, which are not only set on making the SEC Tournament but also the "Big Dance."
"This year we want to take it to the next level. First and foremost, we want to make the NCAA tournament," Scanlon said. "That has been the goal for us seniors, and this year every player on our team has been concentrating on that main goal."
The Pittsford, N.Y. native believes the team took a major leap toward achieving that goal this past summer. Instead of returning home for the break, the Rebel seniors made the choice to stay in Oxford and get ready for the upcoming season.
"The summer helped us so much," Scanlon said. "We motivated each other and pushed each other not only to get in shape, but also to get better on the soccer field. The whole team came into the preseason in the best shape we've ever been and that helped the coaches start practice at another level.
"The summer also gave us a chance to really bond as a team and grow together off the field."
Scanlon, who has been a starter since her freshman season, also knows that, in order for the team to reach its goals, she and her senior teammates have to be strong leaders.
"It's important for me to go out there and show the younger players that you have to go hard every minute you're out there," Scanlon said. "Because if don't give it your all every minute, then one little mistake can cost the team a game.
"This senior class has learned from our mistakes, and by us setting the example, it will go a long way toward this program's success."
With Scanlon's team attitude and leadership, the Rebels are poised and ready to make a push toward their goals this season.
