Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Senior Leads By Example
April 07, 2003 | Cowgirl Soccer
Oklahoma State's senior goalkeeper Kat Doud knows that the key to success is hard work. Doud has been a mainstay at goalie for the Cowgirls since the 1999 soccer season, but her love for the game goes much deeper than that. "I've played soccer since I was little and it is just something that stuck with me," said Doud.
With the aid of her parents, Doud has been able to succeed both on and off the field. "My parents have been a big influence both academically and athletically," explains Doud. "They have come to all of my games and always offered support."
Coming to Oklahoma State has been a wonderful experience for the senior. There was just something about the small town environment that attracted Doud. "There were a lot of little things. It (OSU) had a strong accounting program and I liked the coaches. I like Stillwater, it is very beautiful," stated Doud.
Coming from Plano, Texas, the change of scenery can be a shock for most people unaccustomed to a small town environment, but Doud has been virtually unaffected. "I went to a huge high school where there were five goalies and about 50 girls on the team. Oklahoma is a nice change," commented Doud.
Doud's stellar play on the field has often overshadowed her off the field accomplishments. A two-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 member, she has not underestimated the value of her studies. To Doud, soccer and studying just seem to go hand in hand.
"I have done pretty good and received some awards," Doud explains. "I think soccer has pushed me to learn, to get good grades. You have to have good grades to play so you study." Doud hopes to continue her excellence in the classroom and one day complete her masters.
This year the Cowgirls return a young squad, comprised of 12 sophomores and nine freshman and will rely heavily on the senior leadership of Doud. A leadership role is nothing new to her, certainly not anything that she should worry about this upcoming year.
"It was a bigger deal last year when we started seven freshmen," said Doud. "This year they all have a year on them. We learned how to play with each other last year. It's fun, I feel kind of like the mom on the team because they are all so young."
As the summer practices for the Cowgirls come to a close, Doud is looking to improve individually and better the team with her leadership and play on the field. Four young goalkeepers join Doud on the roster in 2002, forcing her to maintain her high performance.
"I'm excited about this year. There is great competition behind me, something that there hasn't always been in the past. I want to play strong," said Doud.
While others may see the competition behind them as threatening, Doud is not at all worried about the promising young players. "We are all very close. Everyone has their good days and their bad days," commented Doud. "I hope to be playing the best that I can because of the competition we have on the squad. It is pushing me to play harder and work even more."
The Cowgirls have been preparing for the season opener at Oral Roberts on Friday when they will showcase the intensity they have been working so hard on at practice. Reflecting on the practices of the last few weeks, Doud seems to be impressed with the progression of the team.
"I think practice has gone really well," explains Doud. "We have been playing very hard. I know our coaches are happy with it. They have told us that the level of our play right now is very good, we just have to pick up our intensity as the season approaches."
Entering her final season wearing the orange and black, Doud looks to end on a high. "This may be the last time that I play competitive soccer," Doud stated. "I definitely want to go out on a good note."
