STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford took the field this season for the first time since 2012 without defender Maddie Bauer, a mainstay in Stanford's back line since her freshman season.
A three-time All-Pacific Region first teamer, Bauer was picked in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2016 National Women's Soccer League draft by the Seattle Reign. Starting 88 of 91 possible matches on The Farm, Bauer helped Stanford's defense hold opponents to one goal or fewer 73 times, and was a 2016 MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist.
Congrats, @ReignFC. You got a good one. #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/wIyFbZwzHs
— Stanford Soccer (@StanfordWSoccer) January 12, 2017
The only Pac-12 player to earn CoSIDA Academic All-America honors, Bauer was named a Senior CLASS Award Top-30 finalist and claimed Pac-12 All-Academic recognition for the third consecutive season in 2016.
Read up on Bauer's transition from student-athlete to professional, and how Stanford made a lasting impact on her career moving forward.
Q: How has the transition from being a student-athlete to a professional athlete been?
A: The transition has been easier than I thought, mainly because I do not have to spend all of my time off the field in class or studying. However, it is definitely a more intense and focused environment since this is a paying job.
Q: What are some of the things you learned at Stanford that you know will help you in the future?
A: I definitely learned how to be disciplined with my time. At Stanford, I was either at soccer or studying, so I had to prioritize and plan nearly every hour of my day. I learned how to be organized and focused but I also learned how to work with a team. I think having the ability to communicate effectively with your teammates and coaches is something that will always be useful in the future.
Q: What are your goals & ambitions after your playing career?
A: For now, I just want to keep having fun playing the game I love. I am still young, so I see myself playing for a little while longer.
Q: How do you spend your free time now?
A: When I first moved up to Seattle, I spent all my free time exploring. I spent time at different lakes, hiking, going to coffee shops, meeting new people and reading a lot. I still find time to explore, but lately I have been working at a boutique in Seattle during my free time.
Q: What are some of the things you miss about Stanford the most?
A: I really miss being on campus and being able to ride my bike everywhere. All of the people at Stanford made it such a special place, and I miss how strong of a community it is.
Q: What advice would you give to Maddie Bauer when she arrived at Stanford as a freshman?
A: I would tell her to enjoy every single moment because four years goes by so fast. I remember my very first day on campus for my first training camp and it feels like it was yesterday. Take advantage of how incredible the experience is and never take it for granted because there are millions people dying to be in your shoes.