Number 22, senior Joelle Hamel is officially committed to play Division 1 level soccer at Mount St. Mary’s University beginning in the upcoming 2024-2025 season. Her time as captain of the varsity soccer team currently along with several years of experience playing on club teams has given her quality experience and a future in the sport.
“Being captain is a really special [position] to have on the team because the girls look up to [me],” Hamel said. “It’s definitely an honor to help lead the team.”
Hamel’s mindset of leading the team and setting an example has encouraged her to strive for success, and she has developed the skill that inspires her teammates to follow in her path. Her ability to play travel and varsity soccer is a gift for her and her teams, and she will be able to carry her leadership skills to the next level in college.
“It’s really important to stay focused and play together as a team,” Hamel said. “I try to make sure girls don’t get down on themselves.”
Hamel started playing soccer at three years old and quickly fell in love with the sport. Once she turned 12 she switched from rec to club soccer, which encouraged her to become more serious about her career and aim for college soccer.
“It was really just my happy place,” Hamel said. “I spent so much time doing it, and built so many relationships.”
McLean soccer coach Kyra Alexander, a former collegiate player, had a successful first season with the girls at McLean. She noted that Hamel’s attention to detail and ability to push the girls made the team more competitive and exhilarating.
“[Hamel’s] work ethic and ability to be leaders has improved over the course of the years, but especially this year,” Alexander said. “Her dedication to making everyone around her better is really what stands out.”
Soccer has allowed Hamel to learn team building and social skills that help her in other aspects of her life. Her journey from the rec league, to club soccer and finally to varsity soccer captain is inspiring to her team and friends.
“[Soccer] is a huge part of who I am,” Hamel said. “All the stuff I do, like weightlifting, I do for soccer, and it’s really made me a better person and [team player].”
