Goals ahead

UTRGV senior women’s and men’s soccer midfielders, Gina Steiner and Bryce Box, are bracing for what looks to be their most unpredictable season yet amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

 For Steiner, soccer is much more than a sport, but has been a uniting force between her and her family. Despite her family being from Germany, they have never failed to cheer her on from a distance. 

“It’s nice to always have people that are behind me and support me,” she said. “They always push me from home.” 

Box has a similar feeling to Steiner, as he also said that his family is his motivation.

“They just continue to push me to play,” Box said. “Being able to have the scholarship to give back to them is something that I really appreciate, and I’ll keep doing it for them.”

This season has already proven to be a challenge as Steiner realized that many of her hopes for this season might be unfeasible. 

“I was excited that my family would come for my last game, and now it’s probably not even possible,” Steiner said. 

Box said he was hopeful his team would be successful in the fall. The team seems to be keeping their bond tight despite their separation due to COVID-19. 

“When you’re not with them, you think about them more, and you’re putting in more effort,” he said.  

UTRGV Men’s Soccer Coach Paul Leese also provided more insight into how close their team is. 

“We have four years together, which unfortunately go by a bit quicker than we would like it to, but during those four years, it is a long amount of time to establish very strong relationships,” Leese said. 

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically altered Steiner’s soccer career and future plans.

“I think I want to do my masters,” she said. “Maybe try to play soccer in Europe somewhere, but I feel because of the pandemic I can’t really plan it.” 

For Box, hopes for a professional soccer career are also lingering. 

“You know, it’s tough, but it’s something that I want to do,” Box said. “I may never get the chance again. So, I think it is a good time to try to pursue that if it comes. If not, I will have my degree. I’ll go ahead and look for a job and hopefully start a family someday.”

UTRGV Women’s Soccer Coach Glad Bugariu provided a helpful word of advice for his senior athletes that can be connected to their experiences as soccer players. 

“We make the best decisions we can under the circumstances, and we hope for the best,” Bugariu said. “I think that’s kind of how they should move forward in their lives.”