Hard-working Woodward has sights set on another zone title for Bishop Gorman

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Dec. 9, 1999 | 10:04 a.m.

From the moment she entered high school, success has been a constant for Bishop Gorman senior soccer player Amber Woodward.

Her club's starting center forward from day one, Woodward has been fortunate enough to play in three consecutive 4A Southern Zone title games, capturing championships in 1997 and '99 and finishing second in '98.

But to hear Gaels coach Victor Arbelaez talk, the way Woodward has been preparing for her final season, you'd never have guessed her career has already been such a success story.

"She's come in so focused this year," Arbelaez said. "Not that she didn't work hard in the past, but this year she's training extra hard because it's her last year and she knows she's going to college after this."

Indeed, after leading Gorman in scoring for the past two seasons, Woodward will have plenty of collegiate options, with Idaho, Arizona and UNLV currently her top three choices.

For the time being, however, her sights are set on a fourth trip to the zone finale (Nevada does not crown a girls soccer state champion) and a third zone title.

With most of last year's key players back in the fold, including eight experienced seniors, the Gaels are the clear-cut early-season favorite. But Woodward is quick to point out that winning another trophy is going to take lots of hard work between now and February.

"We have dedicated players who are working hard," Woodward said. "We have so many seniors, and I know when they're working hard I'm working hard, and when I'm working hard they're working hard."

For Woodward, the hard work doesn't end when the game begins. Far from it, Woodward has spent her career figuring out new ways to impact the outcome despite constant extra attention from opposing defenses.

"She's a very dangerous player you have to cover," Arbelaez said. "She brings a couple of players to herself, and that opens up others for us."

Instead of letting her foes' defensive strategy frustrate her, Woodward takes it in stride.

"I always have somebody beside me, so I'm just used to it," Woodward said. "As I became older, I realized I hard to work harder if I want the ball, and that's helped my soccer career. I've had to work more to get the ball."

Woodward has also become a dangerous passer, recognizing when one of her teammates has a better scoring opportunity.

"I'm not going to try to take everyone on to score," Woodward said. "If someone is closer than me, I'll give them the ball. Everyone likes to score."

To be sure, Woodward has a lot of weapons at her disposal when she looks to pass off. Forward Natalia Romo is coming off a sensational freshman campaign, while seniors Jacqueline Cartwright, Maia Detmer, Jessika Vasquez, Elizabeth Bossy and Shannon Allen bring a wealth of experience to the team's midfield.

If last year's run through the zone tournament -- when the Gaels did not allow a goal in three contests -- is any indication, Gorman should also feature a tough defense this season. Seniors Christy Alatorre and Carly Bradshaw will anchor the unit, although a lot will depend on the success of sophomore Suzi Bicknell and freshman Danielle Ghaffari, the club's starting goalkeepers.

"We have a lot of unity on this team," Arbelaez said. "And they hate to lose."