Redhawk's emotional season keeps teammates closer than ever

After an accident in July that resulted in a broken back and broken wrist, Southeast Missouri State University soccer coach Heather Nelson was expected to miss the entire 2012 season. Nelson's husband and associate coach Paul Nelson became the interim coach in her absence. Nelson said that it was a difficult time for her because the team is her extended family. But she was comfortable that the players were in good hands with the staff.

"It was different without coach being there," sophomore center midfielder Torey Byrd said. "Paul runs the practices, and coach will give second opinions, so it was weird not having her there. We tried to stay connected with her while she was gone."

But on Sept. 9, senior soccer player Meg Herndon was placed in intensive care after a collision on her scooter. Though Nelson was not medically cleared to return, she felt that her place was with her team and travelled with them to Memphis, Tenn.

Nelson stated that it was emotionally draining taking care of each other and Meg's family, and it ultimately took a toll on their soccer performance. The Redhawks lost to Memphis 5-0.

Herndon died from her injuries on Sept. 20, and the home match against Louisiana Tech scheduled for Sept. 23 was cancelled.

"I'm very proud of this team and how well they reacted and represented themselves, Meg and the university," Nelson said. "I couldn't have asked for more from them."

Nelson also said an endowed scholarship has been set up in Herndon's name to carry on her legacy and that Foundation Accounting Services is now accepting donations for the scholarship. Those interested in donating should contact Secretary to the Foundation Susan Burton.

"It was emotional for a while," Taylor Byrd, junior center midfielder said. "It was hard being in the locker room without her. Through the week Paul made practice as normal as possible -- one day we played games unrelated to soccer that took our mind off everything. But we really came together as a family and that helped a lot."

The Redhawks took the field again at home and began Ohio Valley Conference play against UT Martin on Sept. 25, one day after Herndon's funeral. Nelson said the team played for Herndon, and the Redhawks were able to tie UT Martin.

"The UT Martin game really took a weight off our shoulders," Nelson said. "We really came back to our self. We were the only team to tie UTM this year."

Three days later the Redhawks gained an OVC win against Murray State 6-0.

"We played really well in the game against Murray," Taylor Byrd said. "Everyone got a chance to play. It gave us a big confidence boost for the rest of the season. We knew we deserved to be in the tournament."

The Redhawks took three OVC losses from Austin Peay, SIU-Edwardsville, and Eastern Illinois after the win against Murray State. Southeast gained two more OVC wins against Eastern Kentucky and Morehead State, which began its six-game unbeaten streak.

On Oct. 26 they hit a major milestone in a 5-1 win against Tennessee Tech. This game secured the Redhawks spot in the OVC tournament for the third consecutive season.

The Redhawks entered the OVC tournament against fifth-seeded Belmont and won 1-0.

They then lost to top-seeded UT Martin, who ultimately won the tournament.

But after a tough season, the Redhawks soccer team is closer than ever. The Byrd sisters said that the team is always hanging out on and off the field, and that the team has a family relationship.

"The way they recovered and came together after Meg's death was amazing," Nelson said. "Their relationships to each other really remind you of what's important in life."