Annaliese Forgey, midfielder for the women’s soccer team, does not shy away from obstacles. In fact, the senior social work major faces challenges head on.
As her high school years came to a close, Forgey knew she wanted to attend a small faith-based school for social work. She went to a Christian College Conference and discovered Northwestern. I didn’t think I could afford it right away,” Forgey said, “so I went to a community college so I didn’t have to take out any loans for two years.”
Forgey came to visit NW during the summer. “It was very weird and there were only about six people that were able to come when I did my tryout. Coming here was a huge, uncomfortable leap of faith. I never thought I would go to the Midwest for school, so that was kind of crazy.”
Forgey’s high school team had been the first in school history to advance to the Washington state championship. However, her two years at a community college were not quite what she expected. “I guess my seasons at the community college were kind of disappointing. It was a lot of rebuilding so we didn’t have a winning record,” Forgey said. “I was fine with stopping soccer after that, but when I realized I had the opportunity to play here, I was really excited. I’m very competitive, so I wanted to go to a school that had a better chance of performing well. And this year we are!”
Being a college athlete has taught Forgey some life lessons. “There’s so many things you have to balance being a college athlete. Managing time and managing your body take so much perseverance to do it effectively.”
Forgey was quick to point out that her teammates have helped make this year great. “It’s so exciting to see everyone from freshmen to seniors pushing each other to perform better. Every single person on our team, even the subs, are huge contributors to pushing us to be the team that we are.”
Forgey’s mom was a big part in her decision to become a social work major. “Also, service, the importance of human relationships and the dignity of people are my personal values,” she said. “I wanted to be able to do a profession that supports that, and in social work, I’ll be able to learn from people my whole life and be humbled.”
Perhaps the biggest challenge yet began this school year for Forgey. She married Terry Forgey this summer, but her husband remains in Washington while she finishes her senior year. Though it’s a difficult situation, she focuses on the positive aspects. “Being away from my husband, having it be my senior year, playing soccer, working and all this fun academic stuff that comes with being a senior has really forced me to rely on my faith. It’s helped me further realize how important friendships and family are to helping me get through tough times.”
After she graduates in the spring, Forgey will rejoin her husband, who is already working in Washington, and look for a job in the area. Whatever she faces in the future, Forgey is certain to attack it with enthusiasm.
