Redshirt junior goalkeeper Sammy Jo Prudhomme's debut with the Women of Troy has been nothing short of spectacular, but it didn't come without its uncertainties.
"I was really nervous just because I hadn't played in a college game in a year and a half," said the Oregon State transfer of the Trojans' season opener versus Texas Tech. Despite her absence from the playing field, Prudhomme hit the ground running, recording her first career start, win, and shutout for the Trojans with four total saves.
The goalkeeper had a similarly stellar performance against UC Riverside a week later. Her three saves, including one on a 1-v-1 opportunity, kept the game scoreless for her second shutout in three games.
According to Prudhomme, it's those kind of tough situations that she thrives on.
"[Goalkeeping is] a really fun position. It's a really, really high-pressured situation. You make a mistake, it could cost you a goal. When it comes down to a shot, I'm the one that has to make the save."
Prudhomme has only given up one goal so far this season, the game winning shot in the Trojans loss to then No. 1 ranked Florida State. The keeper says her success has much to do with an easy transition into the program.
"I'm originally from Southern California, so when I came back it was pretty natural to fall back into that kind of a lifestyle," she said.
Growing up in Aliso Viejo, Prudhomme played against many of her new teammates when they were young soccer stars. She says that familiarity lent itself to a mutual respect and a solid foundation for friendship when she arrived at USC.
"They were very supportive through the year that I had to sit out because of the Pac-12 [rules]," said the keeper. Â After just a year with the Trojans, Prudhomme feels right at home among her teammates. "Those are my sisters. They're not just my friends, they're people who I consider family."
Growing up in Aliso Viejo, Prudhomme played against many of her new teammates when they were young soccer stars. She says that familiarity lent itself to a mutual respect and a solid foundation for friendship when she arrived at USC.
"They were very supportive through the year that I had to sit out because of the Pac-12 [rules]," said the keeper. Â After just a year with the Trojans, Prudhomme feels right at home among her teammates. "Those are my sisters. They're not just my friends, they're people who I consider family."
Catch Sammy Jo and the rest of the Women of Troy in action this weekend at the Duke Nike Classic, first against Duke this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. PT and then Sunday against North Carolina at 8 a.m. PT. Both games will be aired on ESPN3.
