Freshman Duo Keep High School Rivalry in the Past

AMES, Iowa?When two freshmen are only months out of graduating from bitter high school rivals like West Des Moines Valley and Dowling Catholic, concerns might be raised about their ability to work cohesively. But Emily Hejlik and Mary Kate McLaughlin have dispelled apprehension by performing seamlessly on the Iowa State soccer team's defense in their first year.

McLaughlin, a Dowling Catholic graduate, and Hejlik, a Valley alumna, have started every match and played nearly every minute for the Cyclones this season. In addition to playing on the same field, the two freshmen have to be in constant communication with one another in their efforts to defend the ISU goal.

“The defensive unit has to know each other well to play as one,” ISU head coach Wendy Dillinger said. “They have to cover and support each other.”

Because McLaughlin only played one year of high school soccer, instead playing club year around, the two did not meet yearly on the soccer field. However, both were key components of successful basketball teams and squared off every year on the hardwood.

“We didn't like each other and our teams didn't like each other,” Hejlik said. “It was a really good game every time we played against them. It was always one of my favorite games because I grew up playing with about five girls on Dowling. I would say Valley-Dowling is the biggest rivalry in Iowa and bragging rights are huge.”

“We actually played on the same basketball team when we were younger, but when we went to high school we did not talk much,” McLaughlin said. “But we've always been rivals and knew who one another was.”

Once the two arrived on campus at ISU, they were able to put their rivalry aside. Hejlik points to rooming together during preseason training when they became good friends.

“During preseason we stayed together,” she said. “We quickly became really close friends and bonded through that.”

McLaughlin echoes Hejlik's feelings.

“We've become much closer and I don't see her as an enemy anymore,” she said. “We threw our rivalry to the side and now we are working for the same goal.”

Dillinger sees the duo playing extremely well together and is equally impressed with them off the field.

“Mary Kate and Emily read each other very well,” Dillinger said. “There are often times when one of them will go forward and the other will cover.

“They have set the bar for the entire program and are well beyond their years in maturity. Their commitment, responsibility and accountability have been amazing. The future is very bright to know those two are going to be here.”

Hejlik and McLaughlin will be back in action Friday when the Cyclones travel to Baylor for a 7 p.m. match against the Bears.