The Observer, September 22, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 4
Yule makes early impact on women's soccer team
click to enlarge
Dynamic. Entertaining. And well, kind of a spaz. Those are just a couple of words used to describe freshman standout Kaitlyn Yule. Hailing from Vernon Hills, a small school just outside of Chicago, Yule has found a comfortable mid-field position on the women's soccer team.
Back in high school, Yule's skills on the soccer field really started to show. Playing year-round, a club team in the fall and her high school team in the spring, she received a lot of exposure to the game.
"The team was great, we joked around a lot, but we were still competitive," said Yule. As captain during her junior and senior years, Yule earned all-conference and all-academic honors as well as honorable mention all-area. However, her favorite memory came during her sophomore year.
"It was a very young team with a new coach, but we made it to the conference finals and won 2-1 against a heavily favored big conference school."
As the first team from the school to win a conference title, and the first time a small conference school beat out their favored opponent, a special day was held to honor the victory.
When in search of inspiration, Yule looks to her family to give her that little extra that makes the difference. She admires her brother for his achievements in school and for his fun personality.
"He's amazing. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have him," she said.
Next of course are her parents, especially her father. Growing up, he didn't have many opportunities or privileges. His rise to success has inspired Yule to always strive for excellence.
"Every day I need to put in as much effort as possible to fully use the great opportunities I have been afforded in life. My dad's the driving force behind me."
When it came time to choose a college, Case stood out because of its great nursing program.
"I've always enjoyed helping people, and I love the-fast paced environment of the hospital. It also helps that I have a lot of family who work in the field," she said. "I chose Case because it's a nationally ranked school with a unique program that allows students to start clinicals their freshman year. It felt right when I visited.
For an athlete at Case Western, the sport he or she plays is a matter of pride and love for the game, rather than financial benefits and career possibilities. Nevertheless, Yule had little expectation of playing time and just wanted the experience at a college level.
"I just wanted to contribute something to the team. I didn't expect to see results so quickly," she said.
Results indeed. Over Labor Day weekend, the team traveled to the Kenyon tournament. On that Saturday, she collected the garbage from across the goalie and placed it in the back of the net. The next day, she scored again, this time heading the ball off a corner kick from fellow freshman Katie Fromwiller.
When Yule's not working hard on the field, she can be found hanging out with friends, relaxing, and listening to The Format, Blue October, and Dave Matthews. Over the next four years, she hopes to get involved around campus, especially in Greek Life and volunteering.
As far as long-term goals go, Yule sums them up nicely.
"I just want to find what I love to do and do it, whatever it may be, and love life," she said.
