Michigan State University Athletics
Conversation With Nicole Galas
9/7/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 7, 2005
Michigan State sophomore goalkeeper Nicole Galas (Sterling Heights, Mich.) was recognized Monday as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 5, 2005. Galas was a key ingredient in the Spartans' win over sixth ranked Texas A&M and their tie vs. the University of Texas, recording the first two shutouts of her career.
The Sterling Heights native made 12 saves, six in each game, raising her season total to 30. Galas has allowed just two goals in four games during the 2005 campaign and boasts a .450 goals against average and a .938 save percentage thus far.
Prior to this season, Galas had played less than 10 career minutes in the Michigan State net. In 2005, she has answered the call for head coach Tom Saxton, playing all 402:17 minutes, doing so in fine fashion.
What was your reaction to winning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week?
It's real exciting. Especially in my first season as a starter, it's a great way to get the season going. It was kind of a surprise, I haven't done anything spectacular. My teammates have done a great job limiting scoring chances and I just try to be consistent and make the saves I should.
What was your mindset entering the fall with very little college experience?
I have played and been a starter on every team I've ever been on. Since I am the oldest of the six goalies here, I knew that I needed to step up. I knew I controlled my own destiny and I wanted to take a leadership role. It was hard not to play for two years.
You entered the program with such impressive credentials, how hard was itto sit and watch for two seasons?
It was frustrating, but we had some real good goalies. We were doing well and I was really happy for the team. But it was frustrating after being such a major contributor my whole career to come here and not be able to help the team. In the end, I think it really helped me a lot.
What impact hasCoach Heller (a former spartan goalkeeper)had on your play?
I love having her here; she's an amazing coach and an amazing person. She was such a great leader for this team when I was a freshman and it's great to have her in the program now. I have learned so much from her by watching her play and listening to her. I couldn't have asked for a better example as far as what it takes to be successful.
How can you harness the team's momentum and use it to your advantage heading into Big Ten play?
Well, we had a great weekend against Texas A&M and
What are your goals for yourself and for the team over the course of this season?
We want to go ahead and contend for the Big Ten title and get an NCAA bid. We're not going to settle for anything less. We know what were capable of and we want to get there. Personally I'd love to keep posting shutouts because as a team we can't lose if we don't allow the other team to score.
