“Well-rounded” is the word to describe Bethany University senior Amanda Anderson.
She is involved at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos and on the school worship team, all while playing her third and final season on the Bethany women’s soccer team.
Before her time at Bethany, Anderson attended Beyer High School in Modesto, where her team won the league championship all four years. After high school, she spent a year at Modesto Junior College, where she started to play in the off-season until she signed with Bethany in the spring.
Anderson has been flexible on the field while at Bethany. She started her sophomore season as a forward, moved to stopper and now plays midfield.
“Soccer has taught me how to be disciplined,” she said. “I have expanded my beliefs by learning that our minds try to set limits on what we can do, but truly, our bodies can do so much more.
“I have learned that the best things in life are things we fight for. I have learned how to be a better leader, communicate and to build relationships.”
Learning through the game she loves has given Anderson the tools to succeed on and off the field.
“Amanda is a coach’s dream,” coach Abby Garalde said. “She is a hard worker who brings her all every single day.”
Anderson also has had a chance to play alongside her sister, sophomore Bre Anderson, who plays defense on the team.
“It’s nice having someone who truly knows you and how you feel. … We get to build each other up daily with encouragement,” Amanda Anderson said. “We for sure know how to get each other pumped up for a game.”
Anderson will graduate from Bethany with a degree in communications.
“My most memorable moment was getting a hat trick (three goals in one game), each with a different body part: my head, my left foot and my knee.” Anderson said.
She is also fond of the many trips that the team has taken, as well as team worship and devotional times.
“Amanda is an amazing leader and soccer player,” teammate and co-captain Monica O’Daniels said. “She brings great enthusiasm to the team. She’s always the first to start a run and the first to finish. She is a great person to lead the team along side with.”
Four games remain in conference play, where Bethany holds a 1-4 record. Anderson said she hopes the team “will finish strong and continue to enjoy the game of soccer.”
