By Vanity Delbridge—
With an overall record of 5-6-2, the NJCU Women’s Soccer team will see two of its very own off to Holland this month.
Assistant coaches Katie Feehan and Jennifer Albuja will represent the USA internationally in this year’s World Police Indoor Soccer Tournament.
On Sunday, October 7, approximately 60 players representing the North American delegation of the U.S. Soccer Heroes will be heading to the largest indoor tourney for law enforcement personnel in the world.
Both Feehan and Albuja were stand-out players in their own right, with Katie becoming the 1st athlete in the history of NJCU to be named First-Team Academic All-American in any sport.
“It was an honor when I got the award because it had showed how hard I worked on and off the field, and sometimes the student part of student-athlete is forgotten. NJCU athletics has done a great job in emphasizing the student part and I had bought into the concept,” said Feehan.
Feehan also once served as 2 year manager for the Women’s and Men’s Basketball team. As to how different that position was to her current one:
“It is different because I am more of a fan of basketball than a player.”
With 15 total career categories, Katie placed Top 5 in every one. Her secret: “There’s no big secret, it is all about pushing yourself when your body and mind are telling you to stop. I never played for statistics; I always played for the pride of the program and the love of the game. I remember after some games I couldn’t even walk off the field, that’s how hard I had pushed myself.”
In her first season on the sidelines, Jennifer Albuja had her shine as a former player as well. She was featured in a December 2011 Sports Illustrated Issue.
As to placing 2nd among men and women in NJAC history in total scoring: “Well I am not one to be all about statistics, every goal was to help win games for my team and I,” she said. “It just shows women can compete with men without actually competing against them.”
The girls’ weigh in on what this experience means for them-
“It gives me the opportunity to be able to connect with law enforcement professionals from all over the world. It also allows me to play with Jen again and represent our country in a positive way,” said Feehan.
As for Albuja: “It’s like a once in a lifetime deal, and I cannot wait to be out there to represent for USA, my NJCU team and staff. Going out there with Katie, who I played with my freshman, well it couldn’t get any better.”
Having the opportunity to apart of something great, they share their initial reaction.
“It did not hit me at first but once we had our first meetings and practices, it became real,” said Albuja.
Similarly, Katie dishes, “I was very happily surprised when Jen and I were both asked, it almost didn’t seem real at first. I couldn’t wait to start playing with her again.”
With word of the news, it is almost impossible for the team or coaching staff to not have an input.
“They are all really excited for us, especially the head coach, Robert Bielan, Jr. because he has served as a mentor to both of us as well as a friend. To see two of his players from the program represent the USA internationally is something he is proud of. The girls on the team are also very excited for us,” said Feehan.
Four men’s teams and one women’s team (which includes three players from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police), will be vying for the first North American win in the tournament’s 30-year history.
“I look to gain the experience itself of being out there playing with and against people of law enforcement.” “It is a great organization that should be known by more people in area, country, to eventually bring the tournament here to be recognized,” said Albuja.
“I look forward to meeting and gaining knowledge about the game of soccer and about law enforcement tactics and procedures from all over the world.” “I also look forward to the experience of competing internationally with a good friend of mine and watching my husband play as well,” said Feehan.
