MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | As the final postseason approaches in their careers, seniors Mackenzly Cheely, Lauren Dozier, Tessa Balsman, Mia Palumbo, Kate Phillips, Savannah Sause and Kassidy Fortin reflect on their time as members of the Georgia College & State University women's soccer team.

The Bobcats begin their postseason run Saturday (Oct. 31) when GCSU (7-5-4), which earned the No. 4 seed, hosts No. 5 seed Clayton State University (7-5-4) in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Peach Belt Conference Tournament at the Bobcat Soccer Field.
 
Cheely, a Brooks, Georgia, native, plans to return to school to pursue a master's degree in education. She said playing soccer has taught her that "reaching your goals takes commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to keep pushing yourself."
 
When reflected on her favorite time as a student at GCSU, Cheely said, "My favorite part of my time here has been the friendships I've made and the relationships I've built with my teammates."
 
Phillips, from McDonough, Georgia, shared a similar sentiment.
 
"My favorite thing about my time at GCSU has been meeting all my teammates and friends; it's like a family here," said Phillips.
 
After graduation, Phillips will also return to school to obtain her master's degree in industrial organizational psychology and will later pursue a career in that field. She also reflected on the personal growth she experienced from soccer.
 
"Soccer has taught me how to be patient and have grace; it helped me grow as a person," said Phillips.
 
Fortin, a Suwanee, Georgia, native, plans on returning to GCSU in the fall for her master's degree and will continue to work with the soccer team. Further down the road, she hopes to become a high school teacher and obtain her coaching and personal training license.
 
For Fortin, the connections she has made both on and off the field have defined her college experience.
 
"The amazing connections that I have made in the classroom, with my professors, and my amazing teammates has been the highlight of my college years," said Fortin. "I am so grateful that GCSU has brought me connections with people that I look forward to cherishing for life."
 
Palumbo also highlighted her connections on and off the soccer field.
 
 "My favorite thing about my time here has been the lifelong friendships I have built with not only my teammates, but through my classes as well," said Palumbo.
 
Palumbo, from Dacula, Georgia, will further her education, and possibly her soccer career, while pursuing a master's degree in public administration.
 
Dozier, who is from Sharpsburg, Georgia, said that representing the Bobcats on the soccer field has been such an honor. After graduating, Dozier plans to attend PT school and become a physical therapist.
 
When asked about what she has learned through her soccer career, Dozier said, "Playing soccer taught me so many life lessons, and most of all to live like Izzy, making every moment count."
 
Sause, a native of Loganville, Georgia, agreed with her teammates that playing soccer taught her how to be resilient when things get hard and to appreciate the little moments. She will be graduating with her BSN and will become a registered nurse in labor and delivery.
 
When reflecting on her time spent here at GCSU, Sause said, "My favorite memory is meeting my teammates, as they've become my lifelong friends."

Balsman,  who hails from Norcross, Georgia, initially didn't come to GCSU for soccer. 

"I initially chose GCSU just for the amazing nursing program, but ended up joining the soccer team later on," said Balsman. "It has been the best decision I've ever made."

Balsman's favorite memories were the overnight trips  because "we always have so much fun and get to bond even more as a team." Balsman played on working the ICU and maybe going back to school to become a nurse practioner.
 
The seniors would like to thank their teammates and coaches for making their time as  GCSU soccer players unforgettable.

About GCSU Athletics 
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for five consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 13 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won six consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence, and are two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and six-time winners of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life." Sign up at @GCSUBobcats on all social media outlets for up-to-the-minute reports or subscribe to the GSCU Athletics e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and to interact with GCSU Athletics.