For seniors Larkin Hatcher and Ellie Buttram, the upcoming start to Great American Conference (GAC) play marks more than just another conference slate; it marks the beginning of the end of nearly 2 decades of competitive soccer. Both Hatcher and Buttram have been playing since they were toddlers.
According to Buttram, she started playing soccer when she was 3 years old, and joined a team at age 5. Buttram said her sister influenced her decision to start playing, as did a soccer icon of the time.
“I just wanted to be like my sister, so I took an interest in soccer,” Buttram said. “I started kicking a ball around in the back yard with my dad and her. (Former professional soccer player) Mia Hamm was also a huge role model; I (dressed up as) her for Halloween three years in a row, I think.”
Hatcher recalls her first time playing soccer, also at age 3. Her dad, who, according to Hatcher, saw the importance of being competitive at a young age, played a big part in her early interest in the sport.
“My father started us out when we were very young because that was important to him for us to be competitive,” Hatcher said. “He wanted us to be driven.”
Like Buttram, Hatcher grew up playing with a sister, her twin, Haley. According to Hatcher, the two played together throughout school until the two departed for different universities in 2012.
“It was fun even though it got very competitive at times,” Hatcher said. “We played really well together because we had that connection.”
Buttram and Hatcher both acknowledged the significance of this season in light of the history each has with the sport.
“It’s pretty crazy if you think about it, because I’ve been playing for 18 years and this is my last time,” Buttram said. “It’s my last run; I have to make it good, because I’ll never get this opportunity again.”
According to Hatcher, knowing this season is their last has given all of the seniors a new mindset. She said they do not ever want to lose.
“Our ultimate goal is that ring,” Hatcher said. “This is our last chance to prove ourselves, to prove that we are capable of getting that ring. It drives us that much more.”
As two of the team’s captains, one thing Hatcher and Buttram are not lacking is college experience. At least one of the two has appeared in every Lady Bisons soccer game for the past 3 years.
Last week, the Lady Bisons opened play in St. Joseph, Missouri, with games against Emporia State University and Missouri Western State University. Despite scoring early in both games, the Lady Bisons were unable to secure a win in either, falling 3-1 and 2-1, respectively.
Up next, the Lady Bisons travel to Hendrix College on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m.
