Through the
Varsity S Club Spotlight we'll re-connect with student-athletes of the past. This series will illustrate the impact that a Sonoma State University education has on student-athletes and highlights the impact they are now having in their communities.
MEGAN CATTON (CHRISTENSEN) and LINDSAY CATTON (AMICK)
- There was a Catton sister on the Sonoma State Women's Soccer Team from 2003 to 2009 with an overlap in 2006 when Megan, as a senior, and Lindsay, as a freshman, led SSU to a 10-3-3 record in league play. Both graduated from Sonoma State, Megan in 2007 with a degree in Communications and Lindsay in 2010 in Business Finance.
What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
Megan: Obviously, there are a lot of favorite memories and it's hard to pick just one. There are so many memories from the countless hours on the road – but having our team serenade Kai Edwards, our assistant coach, with Unfaithful by Rihanna while driving in the vans is one of my all-time favorites.
On the field, my first and last goal in a Sonoma uniform are memorable. My first goal, was a penalty kick at Cal State LA just before the end of the first half. I remember Luke yelling at me to take it. I was a nervous wreck as I ran from midfield to the penalty spot. I remember my heart was racing as I placed the ball on the ground, took my six steps backwards and stared at the keeper while I hung onto the bottom of my shorts. The whistle blew, and a calm came over me. I had done this dozens of times before, and I knew I could do it again. I made it (bottom right corner of the goal as the goalie dove to the left), and we went on to win the game 2-0. My last goal was at Stanislaus, off an assist from my sister, and the only goal I scored during the run of play. We won that game 3-1 and clinched a spot in the CCAA Tournament.
One memory that means much more to me now than it did during the moment, was Lindsay's goal at Monterey Bay when she scored 20 seconds into the game. I remember at kick off, she ended up with the ball. She dribbled down the right side of the field, beating a handful of defenders. I was running down the center of the field laughing, because Lindsay was never the best dribbler. Next thing I know, she's dribbling towards the goal and taking a shot that goes in! It was a special moment because our family was there – me, Lindsay and our parents. Our parents very rarely missed one of our games, but my senior year they did not miss a single game, or a single minute of any game. Having all four of us there to witness Lindsay's goal, and the fact that she actually dribbled past that many defenders, is a memory I cherish.
Lindsay: Not my favorite memory but a funny memory.. It was my freshman year and we were hosting Stanislaus at home. Keep in mind my freshman year there were two sets a twins on the team, then my sister and I. I wore 8 she wore 5, and in this particular game, I had a braid in my pony and Megan had the curly hair a-flowing. I was playing up stop and my sister was in the back. My sister then tackled a girl (we will call it debatable if it was a foul) but the ball popped out and I received it and took off down the field. Well in the meantime, the Stanislaus coaching staff was going nuts. So nuts that the 4th official demanded the center ref to come to the side line. Now when the whistle had blown to stop the play I HAD THE BALL at my foot. Well after the officials chatted, the center ref came running over to me and slammed a red card in my face. I laughed and said you are joking. He then ran back to the side line. At this time we had Luke and Kai on their feet along with Marcus standing there laughing. He ran back over and slammed the card in my face again and told me to get off the field. Well, let's just say everyone went crazy. I remember I looked at Megan and her face was in shock. Everyone was. Luke and Kai were demanding answers along with Marcus. The 4th official then came over to me and told me I could not even sit on the sideline. I had to remove my jersey and joins the men's team on the other side of the field.
We wound up winning but let us just say that the battle at home was just about to start.Of course it was the one game that was not recorded for film purposes. Bill (Fusco) tried to repeal the red card and my suspension was reduced to just a single game. But the game that I was suspended for was at San Diego, under the lights, against girls I use to play with. It was a game I REALLY wanted to play in. Well that night at dinner, it was probably the first silent dinner in the history of the Catton household. For those that don't know our house: 1) it's never quiet and 2) it was probably the first dinner in a long time where there were no others joining us or even showing up. My sister looked across as me and just kept apologizing. I kept saying "you owe me big". We still laugh about it today.
How do you think you changed as a person, from freshman to senior year?
Megan: As with all young adults, I grew a lot as a player and a person from my freshman to senior year. As a player, I was stronger, faster (Well as fast as I can be. Those that know me know that I could be timed with a sun dial) and smarter. As a person, I learned I could push myself, mentally and physically, more than I thought possible. I became more self-aware and learned to be proud of myself and my accomplishments.
Lindsay: I don't think I have changed too much. I was very driven when it came to soccer and, when it was over, I concentrated on graduation.
If you could give advice to a freshman student-athlete today, what would it be?
Megan: Enjoy every minute of your time here and fully commit to your sport. While the extra practices, sprints, fitness tests, time in the weight room, and recovering from injuries may seem tough now, a day will come when you miss it. There will be days when you desperately want to get back to double days with your teammates. The competition and camaraderie that you experience while playing in college is hard to match.
Lindsay: Make sure you are getting in the off-season work. The will help carry and push you farther than you have ever gone. Take care of your body and cherish every moment.
What are you up to these days?
Megan: I have been working at SSU for the last 10 years. I started out as an Assistant Athletic Director and now manage the campus-wide Box Office. My office handles all of the ticketing for games, concerts at the Green Music Center, camp registration, and more. I've been married to Kevin Christensen (SSU Men's Basketball 2001-2006) for 8 years and we have two kids – Hannah, 6 and Ben, 2. Hannah is just getting into sports (soccer, gymnastics and basketball) and Ben desperately wants to join her. We still attend games at SSU and enjoy the opportunity to be a fan.
Lindsay: I have been working for the County of Sonoma. I got married last year, and I have the best time with my niece and nephew – their mom and dad are cool too.
How did Sonoma State University help prepare you for your career?
Megan: My experiences at SSU helped me learn to balance and prioritize. Between school, soccer, working two jobs and serving on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, I quickly had to learn how to balance my workload, prioritize deadlines and juggle multiple projects at the same time. This is something I have to do every day between work and home life.
I had an amazing experience at SSU and I am forever grateful to SSU, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Luke Oberkirch and the assistant coaches for the opportunities they were able to provide to me and my teammates. I need to thank my sister and my parents for their constant support and tough love. I also want to thank each and every one of my teammates for their support and friendship over the years. SSU no doubt shaped me into the person I am today, and I will always look back on my years here fondly.
Lindsay: It helped me realize that multi-tasking and being able to balance a work load is very crucial. When you play a college sport, attend classes, and work different jobs, you have to realize quickly how to prioritize your work. With my current job and previous jobs after graduation, multi-tasking and case load management has been key to my success. I developed those skills through college athletics.
ABOUT THE VARSITY S CLUB
The Varsity S Club is an exclusive group of past and present Sonoma State University student-athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, and administrators formed for the purpose of building enthusiasm for Sonoma State University Athletics. The Varsity S Club does this through a variety of philanthropic, fundraising, and social events designed to strengthen SSU Athletics. Membership in the Varsity S Club is open to any individual who has competed in varsity athletics at Sonoma State University, as well as any past member of the cheer team, athletic training, or administrative staff. Sign up here:
Varsity S Club.
See past Varsity S Club Spotlight features here:
Varsity S Club Spotlight Archive.
