When current Oregon lacrosse goalie Caroline Federighi went down early while going for a steal in the game against High Point last March, it was senior Salliebeth Finnegan’s time to step in.
It’s never good to see a player go down, but it was undeniable that Finnegan had an uplifting spirit. As Finnegan took to the net, an energy erupted within the crowd at Papé Field. There were fans cheering and fellow student athletes screaming her name.
The Ducks won that day. A goal from Carly O’Connell in the final seconds gave Oregon a 7-6 victory. Head coach Jen Beck gave much of the credit for the team’s win to Finnegan for her performance.
This season, Finnegan is still bringing that same energy to the squad, but under a new role.
Described by many as simply a fun loving girl, Finnegan is now a graduate assistant coach for the team.
She attends every practice, every home game and occasionally travels with the team for their road matches. Her main duties include working with the goalies, a position she knows all too well, as well as being a communicator between the players and coaches.
“I try to make sure the players are really connected with the coaches,” Finnegan said. “It’s been a really fun year for me and I have been learning a lot.”
With three younger goalies on the roster led by senior Federighi, who enters this post-season with 96 saves and 10 wins for the Ducks, Finnegan has focused a lot on coaching the goalies due to her expertise in the position.
Finnegan said her experience as a goalie has helped in the transition from playing to coaching because being a goalie requires seeing a lot of different elements and being vocal. She also believes it’s important to give the younger players advice that she wished she had when she was a freshman.
“The goalies have been great and it’s been especially nice to work with Caroline (Federighi),” Finnegan said. “She and I have always been a team. It’s nice for us to still have that camaraderie.”
Federighi agreed that her friendship with Finnegan has been a special component in her experience at Oregon.
“Sallie and I are pretty good friends and it’s great to have her here,” Federighi said.
Federighi added that in a mental position like goalkeeper, having someone with a positive attitude is vital to keeping up a goalie’s spirit.
“I think her positivity is a strength,” Federighi said. “Sallie has been there for me 100 percent, telling me to shake it off, that I have the next one — that’s been great.”
Beck stated that without Finnegan’s help this season, the team would not of been able to accomplish what they have with each goalie on the team. Finnegan said she has especially enjoyed watching sophomore goalie Jenna Moore flourish in her second year.
“I just trust her,” Beck said. “Sallie is just a treat to have around all the time. She has a maturity about her and she has a calming presence. She also has an element of fun to keep you grounded and to remember to enjoy the moment.”
Finnegan hopes in the future to explore a career in coaching, but says that no matter what she wants to be working with and helping people. Finnegan also added that the team is what keeps her inspired and credited Beck for recruiting girls that don’t just have talent, but are also good people.
“That’s (the team) what makes the this job so worth it,” Finnegan said. “It keeps me wanting to wake up every morning and meet those girls at the field.”
Finnegan jokes that she doesn’t miss all the running involved with being a Division I athlete, but cherishes the moments when she can take a player aside to give a pep talk and instantly see they mood switch to defeated to a positive one.
“It’s hard to be a student athlete and everyday is super difficult,” Finnegan said. “If you’re not smiling and trying to bring along your teammates — it’s not worth it. I think for me I just really try to keep a smile on my face and make sure everyone is happy.”