North Carolina State University Athletics
FRESHMEN XI: Part 1
10/4/2016 1:49:00 PM | Women's Soccer
RALEIGH, N.C. – The NC State women's soccer team's freshman class has not only brought an injection of youth into the program, but a will to win. NC State is currently in a breakout season and passing milestones that haven't been hit in recent history.
Freshmen XI is a four-part series which gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the team's 11 freshmen are adjusting to college and making a #STATEMENT on the field. Currently five freshmen hold starting roles, eight have recorded a goal or an assist and 10 have earned playing time.
Part 1:
Carrie Lewis, Daria Draovitch and Paige Griffiths got a head start on their college careers after graduating early and joining the NC State women's soccer program in January of 2016.
All three have faced different experiences in their first season, but the move has developed each of them as players and student-athletes.
"You get a head start in the strength and conditioning part; you get to play some games in the spring; you get used to the classes and the regular college schedule and you get a six-month head start from where you'd be in August," said head coach Tim Santoro on the benefits of joining the program in the spring. "It's an invaluable experience for them and it's something I know all three have benefited from greatly."
Along with the adjustment to the speed and style of the college game, the trio of freshmen has learned plenty outside the field of play from time management to adjusting to college academics.
Overall, their work put in during the spring semester has paved the way for the early success.
Paige Griffiths:
Griffiths holds a starting spot in the midfield and is second on the team with 1,170 minutes played. The Raleigh, N.C., native has been exceptional in her efforts to control the middle of the pitch for the Wolfpack and has played the full 90 minutes in nine straight contests.
Recently, the freshman has found space in the attack. She provided the winning assist against North Carolina and scored the Pack's first goal against Wake Forest with a superb strike.
Additionally, the aggressive 5'1" midfielder has been a reliable defender and relieved pressure off the Pack's back four.
"I've always been a holding mid, but I used to be more one-sided on the field," said Griffiths. "My coaches always told me I had blinders on. Now I've learned to switch the ball more. I'm also more comfortable with the ball and I trust my teammates."
Daria Draovitch:
Draovitch has also seen time on the field in her first season. The Raleigh native was primarily a defender early in her playing career, but after splitting time between offense and defense the last two seasons before coming to NC State, Draovitch has earned time on the field as an attacking midfielder.
"Playing an attacking midfield role has helped me see the field in a broader picture," said Draovitch. "I'm making the most of every opportunity and enjoying every minute on the field."
The athletic Draovitch has been an attacking option off the bench. She has seen action in seven contests and logged assists against La Salle and High Point.
Carrie Lewis:
Lewis' college career didn't start as she excepted. The Charlotte, N.C., native was forced away from the field with an early-season injury. Instead of playing, the freshman has spent the season learning the game while recovering.
"I'm not playing right now, but I've been able to learn a lot from just watching games," said Lewis. "It's a positive for when I do get back. I can pick up on things I've learned from watching the games this season."
Lewis is making the most of her situation by taking advantage of NC State's athletic training, sports medicine and strength and conditioning services. The units are helping Lewis return to the field a stronger and healthier player.
"Athletic training and sports medicine has helped build confidence back up in me," added Lewis. "They've made a great plan for me and it's coming along."
Freshmen XI is a four-part series which gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the team's 11 freshmen are adjusting to college and making a #STATEMENT on the field. Currently five freshmen hold starting roles, eight have recorded a goal or an assist and 10 have earned playing time.
Part 1:
Carrie Lewis, Daria Draovitch and Paige Griffiths got a head start on their college careers after graduating early and joining the NC State women's soccer program in January of 2016.
All three have faced different experiences in their first season, but the move has developed each of them as players and student-athletes.
"You get a head start in the strength and conditioning part; you get to play some games in the spring; you get used to the classes and the regular college schedule and you get a six-month head start from where you'd be in August," said head coach Tim Santoro on the benefits of joining the program in the spring. "It's an invaluable experience for them and it's something I know all three have benefited from greatly."
Along with the adjustment to the speed and style of the college game, the trio of freshmen has learned plenty outside the field of play from time management to adjusting to college academics.
Overall, their work put in during the spring semester has paved the way for the early success.
Paige Griffiths:
Griffiths holds a starting spot in the midfield and is second on the team with 1,170 minutes played. The Raleigh, N.C., native has been exceptional in her efforts to control the middle of the pitch for the Wolfpack and has played the full 90 minutes in nine straight contests.
Recently, the freshman has found space in the attack. She provided the winning assist against North Carolina and scored the Pack's first goal against Wake Forest with a superb strike.
Here's tonight's #goalazo from @paige_griff30 pic.twitter.com/4lIRRPpShe
— PackWSoccer?? (@PackWSoccer) September 26, 2016
Additionally, the aggressive 5'1" midfielder has been a reliable defender and relieved pressure off the Pack's back four.
"I've always been a holding mid, but I used to be more one-sided on the field," said Griffiths. "My coaches always told me I had blinders on. Now I've learned to switch the ball more. I'm also more comfortable with the ball and I trust my teammates."
Daria Draovitch:
Draovitch has also seen time on the field in her first season. The Raleigh native was primarily a defender early in her playing career, but after splitting time between offense and defense the last two seasons before coming to NC State, Draovitch has earned time on the field as an attacking midfielder.
"Playing an attacking midfield role has helped me see the field in a broader picture," said Draovitch. "I'm making the most of every opportunity and enjoying every minute on the field."
The athletic Draovitch has been an attacking option off the bench. She has seen action in seven contests and logged assists against La Salle and High Point.
Carrie Lewis:
Lewis' college career didn't start as she excepted. The Charlotte, N.C., native was forced away from the field with an early-season injury. Instead of playing, the freshman has spent the season learning the game while recovering.
"I'm not playing right now, but I've been able to learn a lot from just watching games," said Lewis. "It's a positive for when I do get back. I can pick up on things I've learned from watching the games this season."
Lewis is making the most of her situation by taking advantage of NC State's athletic training, sports medicine and strength and conditioning services. The units are helping Lewis return to the field a stronger and healthier player.
"Athletic training and sports medicine has helped build confidence back up in me," added Lewis. "They've made a great plan for me and it's coming along."
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Women's Soccer
Midfielder
/ Women's SoccerMeet Head Women's Soccer Coach Gary Higgins
Friday, December 20
EmpowHER - NC State Women's Soccer's Book Club
Wednesday, February 07
EmpowHER: Women's Soccer
Tuesday, February 06
2023 NC State Women's Soccer Season Recap
Monday, December 11