The women’s soccer team secured a 2-0 shutout against Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz., improving their overall record to 7-4-2 Monday.

Western senior goalkeeper Kylie Broadbent pulled out her fifth shutout of the year and the 13th of her career for Western in the victory.

“[She’s] one of the most prepared players,” head coach Travis Connell said. “A quality goalkeeper.”

Normally, Broadbent would no longer be a part of the soccer team this season since she graduated in spring 2009. However, a call from Connell made her reconsider her plans.

Connell offered Broadbent the opportunity to come back and play for the team.

After taking time to talk to friends and family members, she accepted, deciding this would be her last chance to play college soccer.

“It was very much a community decision,” she said.

For Broadbent to play on the team this year, she said she needed to pursue another degree.

She had graduated from Western with a molecular biology/biochemistry degree, and now she is back in school, working toward a second degree in behavioral neuroscience.

Broadbent said her lease expired after graduation, so she was planning to move to Seattle.

 “I was officially homeless,” Broadbent said about her living situation in Bellingham.

Connell said having a quality player like Broadbent makes the team better. He said he was excited to have her back on the team.

Broadbent does not let distractions or emotions get in the way of her performance on the field, Connell said. He said she is very professional and mentally disciplined.

“She did very well last season and I am confident she will do even better this year,” associate coach Greg Brisbon said in an e-mail interview.

Broadbent said she is hoping to bring more help to the defensive lines this season.

“She will bring leadership, which is something that always helps,” Brisbon said. “Also, she is a very consistent playing goalkeeper.”

Broadbent said one of the main reasons for returning to the team was her teammates. The camaraderie on the team has been a rewarding experience, she said.

“This team is unparalleled,” she said, acknowledging the high level of talent among the players.

Broadbent said the safe atmosphere among the players transfers to the field.

She said it’s important to be together as a unit and work hard. A great deal of the team’s success was based off those friendships, she said.

“The people here make it so much more worthwhile,” she said.

Broadbent said she began playing soccer at a young age in the backyard of her Spokane home.

“I just grew up with it, that was just everything,” she said.

Broadbent played soccer in high school, but left it for a few years after deciding the competitive nature was too much for her.

 

She did not return to soccer until her senior year at Western.

“When I came home [to playing college soccer], it was home,” Broadbent said. “I was back to where I was supposed to be.”

Broadbent said her parents support her and attend her games as often as they can.

“I take this stuff seriously, really seriously,” Broadbent said. “My parents are really good at humbling me.”    

While on the road, she keeps in constant contact with her instructors and schedules make-up class time.

She said when the team is not playing or practicing, they are working on their homework.

“Managing [school and soccer], it’s not an easy task,” Broadbent said.

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