Since 2005, Melissa DoRemus has been a solid attacking force for the Texas A&M University-Commerce women’s soccer team.
Her first year in, she struck home for the Lions 10 times, starting all 19 games. Through the years, she has continued to be a big influence, with multiple conference honors and consistent high-quality play.
“As a player, Melissa is definitely up there with the best players we have ever had,” Neil Piper, coach, said.
However, soccer is much more than goals and honors for DoRemus.
“My parents put me in soccer when I was four or five, and I have been playing ever since,” DoRemus said.
The influence from her parents obviously paid off for Piper and the Lions. Last season, she started all 21 games, proving her accomplishments as a freshman and her outstanding play at her club team, Dallas Inter, were only the beginning.
“She always seems to do the right things, on and off the field,” Piper said.
Over the years, Piper has taken his team, along with DoRemus, to multiple places outside the state of Texas. Among them are California, Florida, and Colorado.
“I have enjoyed the people I’ve met and played with, and the road trips we have taken,” DoRemus said.
Because of her senior status, DoRemus has taken on the role of team leader. As the only senior on the team, this role is magnified.
“I do feel obligated to be a leader on the team since I am the oldest person and only senior,” DoRemus said. “When I was a freshman and sophomore, I looked up to the older girls for advice and other things, and I want them to have someone to look up to also.”
Along with all of her achievements and responsibilities in the sport, soccer has changed her life and helped her through some tough experiences.
“Soccer has definitely made an impact in my life,” DoRemus said. “First of all, it is helping me through college, and some of the best friends I know I’ll have for the rest of my life I made through soccer. I think it has made me competitive and determined in everything I do, not just sports.”
DoRemus has certainly made a massive impact. Whether she’s scoring goals or creating goal scoring opportunities, she’s always doing it with class.
“Melissa has a great attitude, she is a true professional,” Piper said. “She is one of the most enjoyable student athletes I have ever been around.”