Mary Galante is a sophomore goalkeeper on the Lafayette Leopards women's soccer team and a Mechanical Engineering major from Chicago, Illinois. Galante grew up in an athletic family, starting soccer at a young age. She was inspired by her older brothers, who also played soccer.

"I have always been a believer in giving 100% of what you can do 100% of the time and 'if you're going to do it, do it.'" — Mary Galante

Since arriving on College Hill, she has balanced all aspects of being an academic student on a rigorous schedule, managing a 4.40 GPA while handling the demands of playing one of the most important positions on the field as goalkeeper for the team.

Coaching and Mentorship

Who has had the biggest impact on your journey as a player?
My first goalkeeper coach, Igor Dimov, who works with the Chicago Fire FC first team, has never lost his faith in my ability on the field. Every time that I train with him, I always learn something new. He has also introduced me to so many successful goalkeepers that have inspired me as a player ever since a young age, such as Chris Brady (Chicago Fire, USMNT) and Damian Las (Austin FC), they have taught me to push past limits and never give up.

How has college helped you grow off the field?
Living at college on my own, with new people, in a whole new environment and state, I have grown by becoming more outgoing and not as introverted in my social life. I have also realized the importance of conversation with others and being open to meeting new people, which has made me more confident as an individual and transferred into my relationships with others, specifically my teammates both on and off the field.

How do you balance a major like Mechanical Engineering with your sport?
It was definitely an adjustment at first, however, time management is key to my balance between school and soccer. The night before I go to bed, I make a to-do list for the next day to ensure that I am successful for each and every day in the classroom and on the field. 

On College Hill

What made you choose Lafayette?
As soon as I drove up College Hill on my unofficial visit, I knew that Lafayette was the best place to spend the next four years of my life. The beautiful campus as well as the ability to challenge myself and play at the highest level of soccer and study rigorous engineering was an opportunity I could not pass up.

What's been your favorite part of being at Lafayette so far?
My favorite part so far is meeting all the great people here at Lafayette. Coming to a new place, it is always hard to meet people for the first time. However, getting to know my teammates, student athletes, and other engineers from across the country has been such a blessing.

What's something you miss most about home?
I miss my family and the Chicago skyline the most from home. There is nothing better than a beautiful summer day in the Windy City.

How would you describe the Lafayette community?
The Lafayette community is the epitome of welcoming and supportive. The people truly make the place here because everyone that I have met has made a small college campus feel like my first home. This community spreads further than Easton, PA. I have met alumni in random places, such as the airport in Italy, all holding the same qualities.

What's your favorite thing to do around campus with friends?
My favorite thing to do around campus is to walk to Mojo 516 with my friends. Nothing beats an iced coffee, a bagel sandwich, getting some work done, and/or good conversation.



The Making of a Goalkeeper

What's been the biggest adjustment to college soccer so far?
The biggest adjustment so far has been the tempo of the game along with playing with a new group of 26 women. Coming into preseason was a shock to the system because of the difference in the speed of play from club level soccer to Lafayette soccer.The shock only lasted a couple of days,I got comfortable with the girls and playing with the team became second nature.

What first got you into soccer, and why goalkeeper?
Growing up as the only girl in a family of boys, I always wanted to play with my older brothers. I would watch them play soccer for our local lakeshore team, so I naturally followed in their footsteps. I started off as a field player, but when I turned 8 years old our team needed a goalkeeper. My brother Joey inspired me to try goalkeeper, and that is when I fell in love with the position.

What's your mindset going into a game as a goalkeeper?
Going into each game, my mindset has shifted and grown with experience. Every time I step out of the locker room, I always say to myself, "Play to Win!" The mind is so powerful, but keeping a positive mindset is key to my mental focus and performance on the field.

What part of your game has improved the most since arriving at Lafayette?
Since coming to Lafayette, my ability to be the 11th player on the field has improved the most. My club team did not emphasize this aspect of the game as much, but coming here I have been able to improve my footwork, ball skills, and become a reliable asset for the backline in times of chaos and control.

Behind the Gloves

What's the most challenging part of your position?
Similarly, mental focus and positivity is the most challenging part of playing goalkeeper. Being the last line of defense puts a lot of pressure on us, whether it is a last minute save or the first shot of the game, we have to be ready for anything and can never submit to mental fatigue. Over the years, I have worked a lot on my mental piece of the game, creating my own routine when I step my foot on the field.

How do you stay confident after giving up a goal?
Having played goalkeeper for over 10 years now, it is never easy to give up a goal, but I have learned that it is so crucial to not let it affect the next play. I have created my own routine that gives me a reset whenever I make a mistake or give up a goal: I take one long deep breath, look at my right glove that has an acronym on it, and I do a tuck jump. 

What's a save or moment this season that stands out to you?
In my first collegiate soccer season, our successful run to the Patriot League Tournament and our PK shootout win versus Holy Cross in the quarterfinals is a moment that I will never forget. The electricity in the air, the cheers from the stands. The electricity in the air, the cheers from the stands, and our team's never ending spirit is something that I cannot wait to experience again in the fall.


 
How do you communicate with your defense during a match?
During a game, the simple queues and sayings are the most important for communicating with the backline. In the heat of the moment, I know that they cannot digest that much information, so a quick "man coming left shoulder" or "two coming on" is all you need.

Inside the Journey 

What's your go-to pregame routine?
My pregame routine is something that I have changed over the years, depending on the season. This year, I would always go to Mojo the morning before the game if we were home. Once we arrived at the facilities, I would get in my gear, slicked back hair with a ponytail braid, eat a Welches fruit snack, and write "AMDG" with a heart on both of my arms.

What does "AMDG" mean to you?
I have been writing this saying on my arm for the past 5 years. AMDG stands for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which means "for the greater glory of God." Writing this little acronym on my arm, which is the same saying I have on my right glove, is a reminder to me that I am so privileged to be playing this sport and that He is always behind me. 

What's a typical in-season day like for you?

7:00 AM – Wake up for our 8am team lift.

Morning – After lift, I walk up the hill from Maroon Club with my teammates and get Gilbert's for breakfast before heading back to my dorm to get ready for class.

Afternoon – I go to classes and meetings throughout the day, have lunch with classmates, and grab a snack from my room before we drive out to Metzger at 3:45pm for 4:30 practice. In between classes and meetings, I usually go back to my room or the library to get homework done whenever I can.

Evening – After practice, I drive back to campus with my classmates, go to Marquis Hall or Upper Farinon for dinner with most of the team, gather my school work from my dorm room, and usually spend a good amount of the evening in the library before heading back to my dorm for the night.

Quick Hits

Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Jennifer Aniston (I love her in Friends!)

What's a hidden talent you have?
I can do the splits all 3 ways.

If you could support or donate to any cause, what would it be?
The Gary Sinise Foundation, which honors and serves veterans, first responders, wounded heroes, and their families.

What's your favorite clothing brand or go-to style right now?
My favorite clothing brand right now has to be Vuori

If your team had a reality show, what would it be called?
Cleats and Chaos

Who's the most competitive person on the team outside of games?
Nadia Zaffanella

Off the field faves 

What's your go-to hype song right now?
Lip Gloss

If you could play another position for a day, what would it be?
Center Back

What's your dream post-game meal?
Penne Alla Vodka with Steak

Who's the funniest teammate and why?
Alle Hughes because she has such a carefree spirit and a smile on her face. She never fails to make me laugh whether in our dorm room, walking to lift, or driving back from practice.

What's something you're looking forward to before the season ends?
I'm looking forward to spending the last couple of weeks with my teammates before summer and won't see one another until we come back for preseason in July.

What's your go-to way to relax after a game or practice?
To relax, my favorite thing to do is to hangout and get dinner with the other freshmen.

What's one goal you still want to accomplish this season?
Even though the season has come to an end, this summer, I am excited to continue to grow as a player on my own, until we reconvene

With the FIFA World Cup coming up, how exciting is it to see the game on that stage, and does it inspire you at all?
It is so incredible to have the World Cup be in the United States this year. Especially living in Chicago, I am so excited to see jerseys of all countries walking throughout the streets, all connected through soccer.