Friends on and Off the Field

Oct. 4, 2004

Life is pretty exciting right now for two of USF's best soccer players. Not only are sophomore forwards Shuree Hyatt and Chelsea Hunt teammates on the soccer field, but they are the best of friends and roommates off the field as well. Together they are a dynamic combination helping to lead the USF Dons to an improved 5-3-3 record through the halfway mark of the 2004 soccer season.

This season Chelsea Hunt has already scored five goals, which represents the team lead, a category that Shuree has dominated last year and through the first six games of this season. Is there any resentment or jealousy between the two teammates? Not a chance. "I'm really happy for Chelsea, she's worked hard to get where she is, and I'm glad she is finally getting the recognition she finally deserves," said the affable Shuree.

This is not to say that Shuree Hyatt is not having a great season in her own right. So far this season Shuree has nine points (3G, 3A) which is good enough for second place amongst the Dons scoring leaders, right behind Chelsea.

For Shuree, she's just glad that Chelsea is part of her team, and that she does not have to line up against her. "Chelsea is just so physical and tough, I'd hate to be an opponent against her." After all, Chelsea and Shuree have been playing soccer together and against each other since they were 10 years old, when both were living in the Seattle area.

But soccer stats aside, what should USF fans know about Chelsea Hunt that only her roommate would know? "Chelsea is one of a kind. She is hilarious and has a really funny way about her. What makes her so hilarious is the way she always falls in practice and in games. It looks so much worse than it is. I swear, if it were anyone else but Chelsea they would get injured, but because it's Chelsea, she's able to get up and shake it off. It's quite funny."

One of the closest people to the two girls is head coach Pamela Kalinoski, who has coached them for the last two seasons. When asked to describe the play of Chelsea Hunt, Kalinoski offers this assessment, "Each day, Chelsea comes to practice with a passion to learn and improve. She is one of the most coachable players with whom I have ever been associated. She is a hard worker and she is finally getting rewarded for all her efforts."

Of course Chelsea would not be enjoying the type of success she is currently having, if it were not for best friend and teammate, Shuree Hyatt.

From rooming together and playing soccer together, Chelsea has gotten to know who the real Shuree Hyatt is, as a person and as a soccer player. "Shuree is just so quick and they way she runs and dribbles with the ball is amazing. As a person, there is no one I trust more, she is just so caring and fun to be around."

Confirming Chelsea's thoughts on Shuree Hyatt's athletic abilities is coach Kalinoski, "Shuree is hands down the most athletic player on the team. When she is 100%, her speed and work-rate will eventually wear any opponent down."

Chelsea Hunt is leading the team with 5 goals

Chelsea's fondest memory of Shuree occurred last season as Shuree was able to score the tying goal against # 6 ranked Santa Clara in a game where the Broncos were heavily favored. Although USF ultimately lost the game by a close 2-1 margin, the feeling of joy and team unity as a result of Shuree's goal is an event that Chelsea will not soon forget.

As the season is now in its halfway point and the start of WCC play commences this Sunday, both Shuree and Chelsea are united in their belief that this year's team can push forward and make a serious run towards the post season. According to Chelsea, "Our defense is playing very strong right now and with goalie Stephanie Beall playing so well in net, it's up to the offense to score some goals, which we feel is achievable." And as Shuree was quick to point out, "The sky's the limit for this team."

Finally, it is most appropriate to give Head Coach Kalinoski the final words on describing the critical roles that Chelsea and Shuree have on this team. "It has been a joy to watch the growth of Shuree and Chelsea, both as individuals and as teammates. Each player brings a different threat to opponents, and over the course of the next three years, they have the opportunity to carry Dons soccer to the forefront of the West Coast Conference."

Be sure to check out the next Dons soccer game this Friday, October 8th at 5:00 pm as USF will be hosting UC Davis at Negoesco Stadium.