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FSU pins hopes on freshman goalie

Despite her youth, Kerry York brings years of experience to the 'Noles soccer team.

By BRIAN LANDMAN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 31, 2001

TALLAHASSEE -- Since she was 5, Kerry York has wanted to be in goal.

"I liked diving in the mud," she said, laughing.

Within a few years she took the position more seriously and started to learn what was required to excel, beyond the prerequisite supply of Clorox for her uniform, of course. She has been a quick study, throwing herself headlong into goalkeeping.

Florida State is counting on her. York, 18, the linchpin to FSU's recruiting class, figures to start against visiting George Mason tonight as the Seminoles open the season with high expectations.

FSU, which reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time last season and advanced to the Sweet 16, is No. 12 in Soccer America's preseason poll. Gone are four starters, including keeper Sarah Crawford, who played every minute last season and posted a solid 1.23 goals-against average.

"Goalkeeper was a huge position for us to fill in the recruiting process because we lost a very talented goalkeeper who had a phenomenal senior year," coach Patrick Baker said.

He signed three: Nease High's Ali Mims, Joy McKenzie out of Houston, and York, the Gatorade player of the year in Maryland in 2001.

"There's probably a few people who are anxious to see who's going to jump in goal for us," Baker said, "but through three-a-days and two-a-days, in our eyes, Kerry has solidified herself as our No. 1 keeper."

That's one reason she chose FSU over Atlantic Coast Conference rival Clemson, which eliminated FSU in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers return senior Katie Carson, a first-team All-ACC pick last season, and York didn't want to sit on the bench.

A pristine jersey isn't her style.

"At the moment, I really don't feel much pressure," she said. "There was a time when I thought about the pressure; that was when I committed. But when you commit to a university like this one and you tell them that you're going to help them in the ways they ask you to, I've been preparing mentally and physically to be in the best shape I can be for that role. And I've been in similar roles."

York not only excelled in high school and club play, she has been playing with the Olympic Development Program in Maryland since 1994, a level that has eased the transition to college. "There's very high standards set for her, but I'm 100 percent confident she'll step right in," said fellow freshman Katie Beal, 18, a defender from Alexandra, Va., who has played against York in the development program and with her on region teams. "You just know she can make that tough save."

York is 5 feet 10, nimble, deft with her feet and possesses soft, strong hands. Years of training and showing horses will help with the latter trait. Baker said one of the first things he noticed, however, was York's poise in the box.

"She's great in traffic," he said. "A lot of (young) goalkeepers shy away from that, but she's a good physical presence and has no problem mixing it up and getting in there and holding on to the ball."

That's critical given that FSU's defense invites the low-percentage long balls, putting more pressure on the goalkeeper to beat speedy forwards to the ball. But York has the benefit of an experienced defense directly in front of her, including senior co-captain Heather Dyche, junior Ashlee Fontes and sophomore Kristin Boyce.

"I'm so impressed with the defense," York said. "I have never worked with a defense that is that organized and works so well as a unit. That's a huge help to me. Having a defense that listens and communicates with you is imperative. ... I use that support and just go out and try to have fun."

Diving in the mud is still permitted.

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