by Ashley Bourdier
LSU Sports Information
Michelle Makasini’s freshman status is no obstacle for her. She has wracked up more awards in less than two months that most players can hope for in their entire careers.
The 5-5 freshman midfielder is ranked No.1 in the SEC with 9 goals and 22 points in the 2006 season. She leads the SEC with four honors for both SEC Offensive and Freshman of the Week.
Against South Alabama on Sept.15, she recorded an elusive hat trick, scoring the only three goals during the game. In five of the Tiger’s six wins this season, Makasini has scored at least one goal, with two multiple goal outings.
“Michelle is without question one of the best finishers in the SEC and the rest of the country,” said LSU head coach Brian Lee.
Makasini has helped lead the Tigers to a 6-4 record, which includes a 3-2 win over SEC rival Kentucky.
“She is always busting her butt out there and taking on three people at a time,” junior midfielder Caroline Vanderpool said. “She has an amazing shot and scores goals. She is scoring, and we are winning, so I am happy.”
Makasini is no stranger to championship awards. She led her Dallas Texans Red 88 North club team to a National Championship in 2006.
“Her Dallas Texan club team is one of the most talented youth teams ever assembled, and Michelle is the key attacking center mid. She is very popular with her teammates and she is always a winner,” said Lee.
Makasini joined a Top10 recruiting class this season. Most of the players were nationally ranked by Soccer Buzz Magazine. This year’s group was ranked No. 7 in the country and No.1 in the Central Region.
“I think our class will be really good for this program. Once we can read each other better we will be unstoppable,” said Makasini.
A Soccer Buzz top 75 recruit for 2006 herself, Makasini is listed among the National Players to Watch in 2006 by Student Sports. She was also a 2005 Student Sports High School All-American.
The Euless, Texas, native led all Texas class 5A high schools in goals with a total of 144 for her career. She received four first-team all-area honors by the Dallas Morning News and Ft. Worth Star Telegram from 2002-06.
“It was such an amazing feeling (to win the national championship) and know that all of our hard work paid off,” Makasini said. “I was just proud to be part of a team and accomplish everything that we did.”
Makasini was a two-time Forward of the Year in District 5-5A in 2004 and 2005. She led her team to the Region III Premiere League Championship win in 2004.
After adjusting from club soccer to the college game, Makasini has not lost her passionate drive to win. She continues to put goals in the net and lead the team in both goals and points.
With impressive new recruits and the goal scoring ability of Makasini, Championship is now within the Tigers reach.