Freshman etches name in program's record books

She's young, she's fun and she has done what no one else in the history of IU women's soccer has accomplished.\nOn Sept. 30, in a mid-week, non-conference game against Oakland University, Lindsay McCarthy tallied three goals for the Hoosiers to become the first true freshman to score a hat trick.\n"I was really excited when I found out about it and to know that I accomplished one of my goals as a freshman," said McCarthy. "And I just can't wait to see what's coming for me in the next three seasons." \nAt first glance, McCarthy appears to be right at home here at IU, and thanks to her teammates and coaches she is, McCarthy said. But she calls Galloway, N.J., home and is the only representative from the East Coast on a team where the majority of the players are from right here in the Midwest.\nMcCarthy really had no intentions of enrolling at IU, but the Bloomington campus's beauty worked its magic and lured another athlete for the Hoosiers.\n"When I first heard of Indiana, I had no idea of coming here," McCarthy said. "But then I came on my visit and just fell in love with the school because it's so beautiful here and I just love the coaches and my teammates a lot."\nShe said her experience at IU has been great but she also admitted it has been a challenge.\n"The first week was really hard going to class, then to soccer, then studying, and then going to sleep, but I'm getting used to it now," McCarthy said.\nMcCarthy has progressed well since her arrival and is becoming a talented college soccer player, IU coach Mick Lyon said.\n"I think in the offseason Lindsay will become a real force as she matures as a solid college player and becomes physically stronger. She's going to tear it up," Lyon said, "To this point she has had a tremendous freshman year and I would like her to score me three or four more goals."\nNot only is McCarthy another young offensive weapon for Lyon, but she also brings some comic relief and a little spark of enthusiasm to her teammates when things are down. \n"She is just an all around funny girl," said senior co-captain Kim Grodek, "We just have a blast with her. She's just fun to hang around with and is someone who lightens up the mood when you're around her. She just makes things fun and exciting for everyone."\n-- Contact staff writer John Fischer at jbfische@indiana.edu