In collegiate sports, the relationship between teammates frequently determines whether a season is successful or difficult.

Abbey MacDonald and Isa De Santos Gomez, two freshmen on the Murray State women’s soccer team, are already leaving their imprint on the pitch even though their adventure has only just begun.

Both athletes have left their cherished hometowns to pursue their studies and sports careers at Murray State.

Moving from Brazil to the United States to play soccer has been both an exciting and difficult experience for De Santos Gomez.

De Santos Gomez, a native of São Paulo, Brazil, selected Murray’s program because of its vibrant team atmosphere and the chance to further her soccer career at the collegiate level.

“When I first arrived, I was excited but also a little nervous,” De Santos Gomez said. “I was coming from Brazil, where the style of play is different, and I didn’t know what to expect. But the coaches and my teammates made it easier to adjust. They welcomed me with open arms, and I felt like part of the team right away.”

De Santos Gomez plays as a goalkeeper and has shown flashes of brilliance on the field, using her speed and reflexes to save shot opportunities by opposing teams. Yet, like MacDonald, she has also found that college soccer is more than just a physical challenge—it’s about mental toughness, too.

MacDonald’s journey from suburban Philadelphia to the heart of Kentucky hasn’t been easy, but it’s one she wouldn’t trade. As a freshman majoring in exercise science with a minor in nutrition, MacDonald had to adapt to the pressures of college life, balancing the demands of soccer with the rigors of academics.

“Time management has been a big challenge for me,” MacDonald said. “Between practice, school and everything else, I’ve had to learn how to balance my time. It’s easy to get lost in the workload, so I make sure to take breaks and hang out with friends when I can.”

Her solution? Find a way to unwind and recharge. Whether it’s playing pickleball or volunteering at an animal shelter, MacDonald knows how important it is to take time for herself. It’s something she credits with helping her avoid burnout, a common issue among student-athletes.

“I think it’s important to find things that allow you to step away from soccer,” she said. “It’s all about finding that balance so you can be your best on the field and in the classroom.”

As freshmen, MacDonald and De Santos Gomez are still finding their way in the world of college soccer, but they’ve already developed a bond that extends beyond the soccer field. Both players share a sense of gratitude for the strong team culture at Murray State and the support they’ve received from their coaches and teammates.

“I’ve learned so much from my teammates,” MacDonald said. “We all support each other, no matter what. It makes such a difference when you feel like you’re part of a family.”

De Santos Gomez agreed. “It’s the same for me,” she said. “Having a team that feels like a family is everything. It makes all the hard work worth it.”

Together, MacDonald and De Santos Gomez represent the future of Murray State soccer—a team that’s building for success, one player at a time. With the bond they’ve forged through shared challenges and triumphs, they’re ready to take on whatever comes next. Whether it’s battling through a tough game or navigating the complexities of college life, these two freshmen are proving that determination, friendship, and hard work are the keys to making it in the world of college sports.

“We’re still growing as players, but I know we have something special here,” MacDonald said. “We’re all in this together, and that’s what will make us stronger.”

For De Santos Gomez, the goal is simple. “We want to win, but we also want to make sure we’re having fun and supporting each other along the way,” she said. “That’s what this team is all about.”

With players like MacDonald and De Santos Gomez leading the way, it’s clear that Murray State women’s soccer is just getting started, and with a foundation built on teamwork, dedication, and a shared love for the game, their future looks bright.