The University of Mississippi Athletics
More Than Just Numbers
9/4/2002 | Soccer
Sept. 4, 2002
By Chris Purser
Sports Information Student Assistant
In today's times, people are always looking for something big. Salesmen are looking for the next big sale. Attorneys are looking for the next big case.
And, sports are no exception. Coaches are always looking to win the big game. Quarterbacks are looking for big passing numbers. Baseball players are looking for big batting averages. That is why it may come as a surprise to many that Kristin Chapman, a senior on the Rebel soccer squad, is one of Ole Miss' most decorated athletes, despite not having the so-called "big" numbers.
Chapman is beginning her third season as a starter for the Ole Miss women's soccer team. During her first two seasons, she has amassed numerous awards as a defender, a position not known for putting up the big statistical numbers. But that doesn't matter to Chapman.
"I like being a defender," said Chapman. "I like the battle, to go in hard and tackle hard."
While the defender position doesn't receive a tremendous amount of attention, Chapman has grown comfortable in the role. In fact, when the opportunity arose for Chapman to move to forward, a position known more for gaining the spotlight, she politely declined, choosing instead to return to her original starting role.
"That just shows you kind of person that Kristin is," said head coach Steve Holeman. "We moved her to forward last spring, and she became our leading scorer. She got all the glory, then she decided that she would rather move back to defender because that's where she thinks she can contribute the most."
Her hard work hasn't gone unnoticed by her own coaches as well as the opponents' coaches. Chapman has been named All-Southeastern Conference twice since her arrival at Ole Miss. In fact, the awards began piling up even prior to Ole Miss. While playing for Vicksburg High School, Chapman became a four-time Mississippi High School Player of the Year, and was twice named Gatorade Player of the Year. In 1998, she earned the distinction of being named a Parade magazine All-American.
"She pushes everyone," said fellow senior Courtney Biddle. "She leads by example. She works hard all the time."
Chapman's "lead-by-example" attitude has earned her the respect of her teammates, who voted her as one of the team's captain for the second-consecutive year.
"It makes me feel honored that my teammates would vote me captain," Chapman said. "I don't tend to motivate by talking. I like to lead by working hard and having my teammates follow that example."
Chapman has also earned accomplishments off the field. Last season, the English and Education major was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, as well as the UMAA Honor Roll for both the fall and spring semesters.
"My father always told me that you are there, first and foremost, to get an education," Chapman said. "He's pretty tough on me, as I am on myself."
Holeman believes that her attitude is the main reason why her teammates look up to her.
"I think her teammates look to her as a friend," Holeman said. "She helps bridge the gap between the players and coaches."
While Chapman has been praised by just about everyone for her accomplishments both on and off the field, she is real quick to point out that the support of both her family and the team has helped her get though some rough times.
Originally signing with Florida, Chapman returned to Ole Miss after one season with the Gators to be closer to her mother, Donna, who was ill with cancer. After losing her mother in January of 2001, Chapman decided to dedicate the following soccer campaign to her mother's memory.
"My mother was my biggest fan," Chapman said. "My personal goal was to play every game last season for my mother."
Chapman's family has continued to support her every step of the way.
"My father, everyone on my mother's side of the family, my fianc?e, all have been my supporters," Chapman said. "They try to come to every game."
Holeman believes that, despite her trials, Chapman has continued to show the same attitude that made her a phenomenal player.
"Kristin has been though a lot," Holeman said. "She had to grow up very fast, and she has done that."
Another feat Chapman has accomplished is winning an SEC Western Division crown in 2000. Though the 5-foot-1 defender wouldn't mind another divisional title, she has her sights on a bigger prize at the end of the 2002 season.
"I would like to win the SEC Tournament," Chapman said. "We are hosting the SEC Tournament, and homefield advantage is a big plus. Our fans are so supportive.
"We have never made it to the NCAAs, so that's a huge goal for us."
Chapman knows that, whatever the results, the thing she will miss the most after the season will be the friendships she has developed at Ole Miss.
"It's hard to believe that it's all coming to an end," Chapman said. "My teammates have been my friends and family through it all."
So it kind of makes you wonder, with a player like Chapman, who needs numbers?
