Freshman forward Lila Dere’s grit she gained from last year made for a rewarding start of the 2020-21 women’s soccer season.  

The performance of Lila Dere has started the season off which should make her proud of all the hard work that came from her summer training

And she is succeeding, so far having one goal per game even scoring twice on Texas. Permian Basin, having 5 goals so far in the season. 

Dere leads the team in goals as she has five goals in the teams first four games of the season. This includes the two goals that she scored in CMU’s win against The University Texas Permian Basin back on Sept.3, 2021. 

Last year’s season was a little rough to play through since the pandemic hit the world and quarantine rules still applied to the college. The season was also postponed and shortened, so the women’s soccer team played during the spring and only had a ten game season. 

“It was constantly draining to quarantine and wear masks everywhere. We still really aren’t getting to see what a normal season is. We still have to test all the time and wear masks in the weight room and on the busses,”  Dere said. 

This hasn’t stopped her from training and working towards her current season goals. She wants to at least score once every game. Not to score for the sake of gaining points but to help the team’s goal of winning. 

Everything she has done is for the sake of others. 

“Everyone wants to win badly but to do that we gotta be successful in front of the goal. If I can help in that area, then that will help us to succeed in the goals we set for ourselves over the past summer and at the beginning of the season,”  Dere said. 

And she is succeeding, so far having one goal per game even scoring twice on Texas. Permian Basin, having 5 goals so far in the season. 

Connecting to her goal of uniting the team on and off the soccer field, making sure everyone on the team knows she is there to support them.Redshirt sophomore midfielder Mikayla Eccher discussed how Dere is leading by example even as a freshman. 

“I’ve known Lila since her freshman year. She leads by example and always finds a way to find the back of the net. Her humility, it’s inspiring, and she has such a kind heart,” Eccher said. 

Head coach Megan Remec attested to Dere’s inspiration and setting a positive tone at practice and in games. 

“Lila is a driven player who works to maximize her potential. It means a lot of individual training on her own. In games, she wants to be a difference-maker for the team in her performance and role. She has high expectations for herself,” said Remec.  

She clearly cares for others because when asked what a personal goal she wished to accomplish. All she had to say was to set an example for others. 

“For me, it’s giving it my all every time I step on the field and being a good example to others, and sharing what matters in life. I want to make sure I’m playing for something bigger than just myself.” Dere said. 

As Dere thanks her coaches and her family who supports her on and off the field, it is Dere herself that puts in all the hard work off the field to make her goals and incredible game play a reality.