The men’s soccer team has carved out a name for itself this season, with senior right wing Ryan Bovee at the heart of it.
Bovee was named GLIAC Defender of the Week on Nov. 3. For him, the award highlights the simplest way to measure success.
“[Winning this award] was a great feeling. It shows that people have recognized the hard work we have put in as a team,” Bovee said. “I believe many people on the team played [a] big role in this.”
Head Coach Louis Barrow seconded that team-spirited bravado.
“Ryan is a captain and displays a team-first mentality. He is an exceptionally hard worker and a brilliant teammate,” Barrow said. “He outruns opponents and enjoys the physical side of the game.”
New recruits have created an impenetrable defence line for the Cardinals this semester. That is not a surprise, as according to Bovee, he feels everyone is fighting for a bigger purpose.
“The back line always works well together because we all have the same mentality and don’t want to let each other down,” Bovee said. “Our communication and trust is very good and it starts off the field.”
Bovee did not begin his college career as a defender. He played his first three years as a midfielder before transitioning to wingback. He did not just adapt, he thrived.
“[Ryan] came in as someone who came off the bench, and now he is probably the first name on the team sheet,” Barrow said. “[His success] wasn’t one moment where the penny dropped, it was more a professional and elite desire to turn up every single day, and get a little bit better.”
Bovee embraces the responsibilities that come with being a senior, using the bird’s-eye view of the field to guide the team.
“As one of the seniors on the team, I try to lead by example and hold myself to a high standard so people can follow,” Bovee said. “Defenders with good communication [are] very important.”
When the stakes are high and the clock is ticking in a tight game, the Cardinals not only trust each other, but they take it moment by moment. Barrow sees Bovee excel when the intensity rises.
“I would say more of Ryan’s positive moments come from when the game is chaotic, hostile and physical,” Barrow said, “His desire to out-run, out-competes and out-energize the opposition is how he gives himself and his teammates an advantage.”
Bovee maintains a low profile off the field. This encapsulates his focus in the game.
“[He is] quiet, respectful and kind,” Barrow said. “He is our hardest worker. That in itself is leading. That is the pre-req to all other things: working hard.”
Bovee maintains a close relationship with everyone and attributes the team’s success to this camaraderie. As for the future and more post-recovery “G’s Pizzeria runs,” Bovee has his eyes set on winning more championships.
“We want to win championships, and we will do everything as a team to complete this task,” Bovee said.
Carlie Smith 
Danielle Carlisi