Time management is difficult with five-day-a-week practices and school.

One of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s newest athletes, Nicole Sperl, devotes a tremendous amount of time to her homework. At the same time, she has a good deal of energy on the soccer field.

Sperl is a member of the women’s soccer team and lives in North Tower. She walks into the Sandburg Cafe wearing a sweatshirt and athletic pant. She is apparently coming fresh from practice.

Sperl has played soccer since she was five years old. Her older brother, Steve, is a four-year UWM men's soccer veteran. Surprisingly, this did not influence Sperl's decision to tryout for the team. “Actually, it's just the opposite,” Sperl said. “I didn't want to play because of him. I'd feel like I was following in his footsteps,” she said.

After countless campus visits, and encouragement from UWM head women’s soccer coach, Michael Moynihan, she tried out and made the team. This was a big step from playing for Wauwatosa West High School’s squad, but she was ready.

Sperl plays mainly as a midfielder during games. However, this spring training she is toughening up as a defender.

"She's one of the most composed players I've seen in a long time. We expect great things from her," Moynihan said.

Time management is difficult with practice five days a week and school. Sperl says the majority of her friends are team members. Their tight living quarters between two suites brought up the issue of possible conflict.

“We are all close together still and haven't really had any problems since we don't spend much time hanging around,” Sperl said.

Time off-field is rare due to her rigorous soccer schedule. Sperl finds herself studying between classes and on free nights. She works hard for the weekend, when she savors precious down-time. Sperl says it was very stressful at first, but she feels she has adjusted well.

Beyond the field, Sperl is unsure of where soccer will lead her. She's looking into either business or accounting and hopes to coach soccer after she hangs up her cleats.

When asked what her most memorable moment has been so far, the athlete hangs her head slightly. Though it’s not a fond memory, it sticks with her.

The setting for this particular memory was this year's championship game. UWM held a 2-0 lead until Loyola's sudden come-back incited a penalty kick shoot-out. This resulted in heartbreaking defeat for Sperl and UWM.

Although defeated by the memory, Sperl recounts an encouraging poster she has, too long to cite, driving her tenacity everyday.

“(When it comes to the spotlight) I’m typically a shy girl, but I’m competitive. I think those two qualities are what will drive me into the future.”

Despite being shy of the spotlight, Sperl deserves every moment of it. This probably isn’t the last we’ll see of her.

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