The Ohio Athletic Conference has named Muskingum women's soccer senior forward Moriah Mathies as the OAC Scholar-Athlete of the Month for November.
Mathies, a nursing major with a psychology minor from Finleyville, Pennsylvania, is currently having one of the best seasons in the history of the Muskingum women's soccer program. However, her road to success started with a devastating knee injury she suffered during the spring of her freshman year.
Following her injury, which occurred in Muskingum's spring game, Mathies was forced to miss the entire 2012 season. During that time, she served as Muskingum's manager.
"Throughout her entire sophomore season, Moriah stayed committed to the team on the sidelines and became a real student of the game," said Muskingum Head Women's Soccer Coach Mary Beth Caudill. "Tactically, she became aware of the 'what should be done and how to do it' aspects of the game and knew that if she worked hard to rehab, she could technically be the one to do it."
"The injury forced me to kind of take a different angle on the game," said Mathies. "It forced me to be a student. It forced me to watch and learn the tactical aspect of it rather than the physical aspect."
Mathies returned to the pitch in 2013 and was named captain by her teammates. She led the Muskies with a seven-goal, six-assist campaign and started every game. Following the season, Mathies' teammates voted her Most Dedicated Returner for her dedication and drive she displayed while rehabbing through her injury
"The confidence she gained by putting her mind to coming back stronger than ever, and then having results to show for it, have been inspirational in leading the team as captain her junior and senior years," said Coach Caudill.
This season, Mathies leads the Ohio Athletic Conference in assists and points and ranks third in goals. Her outstanding play was recognized by the league when it honored her with back-to-back OAC Women's Soccer Player of the Week accolades. It marked the first time in program history (Est. 1987) that a Muskie was honored in consecutive weeks as the OAC Player of the Week.
"Moriah continued to grow as a leader through her junior and senior years," said Coach Caudill. "She has blossomed into a charismatic leader and understands what it means to believe in yourself, each other, and the team to accomplish big goals."
Mathies currently ranks fourth all-time at Muskingum in career goals (18), points (51) and assists (15). Moreover, she ranks first in a season for assists (8) and second in both goals (11) and points (30).
Mathies' stellar play has helped the Muskies set numerous school records including best non-conference record (7-1-1), longest unbeaten streak (7), longest winning streak (6) and longest unbeaten streak at home (5).
"This team is my family," said Mathies. "You can't score goals without your team, and we can't win games without a good defense. The chemistry we have on and off the field is tremendous. We really are a family."
In addition to her soccer experience at Muskingum, Mathies has served as a volunteer at the Muskingum and Beckett House flu shot clinics and is an active member of the Muskingum Nursing Student Organization. Furthermore, Mathies has assisted with Muskingum's Relay for Life and helped coordinate Muskingum's annual Breast Cancer Awareness games. Finally, she helped organize and instruct free youth soccer clinics for Muskingum, and has served as a volunteer youth soccer coach and referee.
Mathies' dedication in the classroom, on campus and in the community, combined with her accomplishments on the field have helped shape her into the leader she is today.
"Moriah will direct that same kind of work ethic and commitment that has elevated her on the soccer field in her quest to become the best nurse she can possibly be," said Coach Caudill.
