Work ethic attracts Cumberland to Webb's Griffin

Joining Webb soccer player Katy Griffin at her signing with Cumberland University are her mother, Karla Griffin, seated, and, back, from left, Webb coach Adrian Anderson, Webb assistant Andy Lyon, father Rusty Griffin, Webb assistant Mary Jo Johnson and Cumberland coach Jeff Loucks. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Hungry for young ladies wanting to buy into the system, hang around for the long haul and compete on a high level in soccer, Cumberland University signed the Webb goalkeeper.

After the program nearly folded two years ago, the Lady Bulldogs went 5-12-1 this past season in the always-tough TransSouth Athletic Conference.

Griffin is the seventh signee in this year's class, which hopes to keep soccer improving and a part of Cumberland.

"(Griffin)'s a tough kid," Cumberland coach Jeff Loucks said. "One of the big things with freshmen coming in is they discover it's a huge leap from high school to college and it's not fun anymore, it's work. Katy understands that, and she knows the value of hard work. She's not going to quit on us."

Loucks went on to say that his latest signee will get a chance to play on defense and in the net.

Griffin, who's carries an ACT score of 22, said she chose the school in Lebanon primarily because of their athletic training program as she plans on staying involved with sports long after her playing days are over.

She also cited proximity as being a perk of inking with the Lady Bulldogs since campus is a mere 43 miles from her hometown of Bell Buckle.

"It'll be amazing because I'll be able to have the coaches from (Bell Buckle) come see me play and my family can come see me and it won't be a tough road, especially if I actually do get to play my freshman year," Griffin said.

The recent Webb graduate took a mature approach when asked about the difference from playing small-school high school soccer to the collegiate level.

Griffin will get a chance to compete for a spot in the Lady Bulldog defense. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"It's going to be a lot more intense. It's going to be a lot more work, and I understand that and am willing to do whatever it takes to be able to do my best," said Griffin, who was a member of the Lady Feet roster for four years.

Webb coach Adrian Anderson realizes Loucks is getting a team player.

"Katy's biggest asset on a soccer team, honestly, is her willingness to do anything to help the team. She'll play anywhere. She'll do whatever it takes for the team to be better to win," Anderson said.

When the Lady Feet needed someone to take over as goalie for the 2008 season, Griffin stepped forward and vacated her spot on the defense.

"It's nice to see when somebody does that for the betterment of other people that it works out for them in the end. She's got a bright future ahead of her as long as she works hard," Anderson said.

Most of Cumberland's soccer matches can be followed live via webcast on cumberland.edu.