Juliano '20 and her fellow seniors stand with their families on Senior Day 2019.

This past weekend, the Muhlenberg women’s soccer season continued after winning matches against Hood College and Alfred University. Now with a record of 10-6-2 so far this year, the Mules advance to the semifinals and a date with Springfield College. With the season winding down, six seniors begin their departure from the team. One of these seniors, goaltender Libby Juliano ‘20, has been recognized for her outstanding achievements throughout the season, receiving an honorable mention on the All-Centennial Conference (C.C.) women’s soccer team.

Juliano has been recognized in this conference before, receiving Player of the Week awards during both the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Now, she has an honorable mention to add to her resume. After playing in every game but one last season and lasting 268 minutes at the beginning of the 2018 season without letting up a goal, Juliano has played an immense role in the team’s success throughout her four years at Muhlenberg.

“This third nomination for All-Centennial Conference means a lot to me, knowing this was my last season,” Juliano said. Ending on such a strong note made the season even more impactful for Juliano. 

As Juliano reminisces about her soccer career throughout her time at Muhlenberg, she reflects upon herself as an athlete. “My soccer career has definitely progressed over the last four years here at Muhlenberg,” Juliano said. “I have become a stronger and a more developed individual on and off the field. I have learned so much from my teammates that I’ll be forever grateful for.”

Juliano admits that she would not be able to succeed without help from her teammates. “I truly believe this nomination goes to the girls on my defensive line, because without them, I wouldn’t have the statistics that I do,” Juliano said. “I think there should have been many other nominations given out to the players on my team because I know how hard we have all worked to be recognized for our efforts,” she added.

It’s clear that Juliano values her teammates and their influence on herself and the team as a whole. For her, victory is a team effort, not just something she achieves on her own. With the tremendous success this team has had, Juliano believes there is only a bright future. “Moving forward my vision and hopes for this team is to simply keep going and working hard. We were very close to making it to the C.C. tournament this year, so I just hope next year they can get there because I know they can and deserve that opportunity,” she said.

Although Juliano’s career as an athlete is beginning to come to an end at Muhlenberg, her legacy and undeniable achievements will be remembered. Even more than the recognition, though, her tight-knit relationship with the team will be what Juliano misses the most. “The bonds and friendships I have built with my teammates [are] undeniable, and I know they will all be in my life forever,” Juliano explained. 

A huge reason the ladies find themselves closer to an Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championship was not only the overall team play, but also Juliano’s amazing play, seeing as she only allowed one goal during the first round and quarterfinal play. 

The Mules’ season will continue as they face off in a semifinal matchup on Nov. 23 in Westminster, MD. 

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