Sarah Pasternak was named the MIAC and DIII Player of the Week the week of Sept. 9.

Pasternak made 12 saves in the game against No. 2 ranked Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Sept. 7.

“It was just nice recognition,” Paternak said.

Pasternak gained reassurance and confidence from her goalkeeping coach to do well in the game against Washington University.

“I was just in game mode at that point,” Pasternak said. “Once I was given the opportunity to play, I was determined to not let in any goals for us.”

Sarah started playing soccer when she was four years old. Sarah found her passion for soccer when her babysitter was playing for the local high school and Sarah wanted to be just like her. Sarah is from Brookfield, Wisconsin. She went to Brookfield Central High School. She is a Health and Physical Education major. Sarah wants to be a gym and health teacher someday.

Last year the Washington University women’s soccer team was a Final Four finishing team with a 21-1 record. They had won 15 consecutive home games, and this was their second defeat in 48 home games over the last five seasons.

“Ever since I saw them on our schedule, I knew that it would be a big game,” Pasternak said.

“According to what I’ve seen, Washington University is the highest ranked team we have beaten in St. Thomas history,” women’s soccer coach Sheila McGill said.

McGill described Sarah as a very consistent person at practice.

“She shows up to play and comes with a positive attitude. She works hard and takes the coaching to heart,” McGill said.

In order to receive MIAC Player of the Week, coaches or the Sports Information Director (SID) from each university turn in names of who they think had a great week based on performance. The conference office then decides which player should get an award, but ultimately, McGill said, NCAA makes the final decision

The St. Thomas soccer team will face Concordia-Moorhead on Tuesday Oct. 15 in Moorhead.

Rae Beaner can be reached at rnbeaner696@stkate.edu.