Shymka Shooting for Larger Role

BOULDER – Opportunities come and go. That is a lesson that Colorado forward Camilla Shymka knows all too well.

Shymka and the CU soccer team will have one final opportunity this spring to showcase themselves. The Buffaloes host Wyoming on Saturday (12 p.m.) in the final spring match of the season. For Shymka, it is one last shot to leave a lasting impression with the Colorado coaching staff before the team breaks.

The senior-to-be has played in 44 career matches with the Buffs. She has three career-goals to her name and looked to add to that total in 2018. Unfortunately, the 2018 season did not live up to her expectations.

An early injury kept Shymka on the sideline as she watched teammates Jorian Baucom and Tatum Barton find scorching success. With the Buffs attack putting together historic numbers, playing time became hard to come by.

"I think it [the injury] put her behind," head coach Danny Sanchez explained. "Then we just had some players that were performing well, especially Tatum and Jorian. Once she got healthy it was hard to get minutes. In a program like ours, it's tough to get minutes anywhere, especially when players in front of you are performing well. It was a disappointing season for her I'm sure, but she will have plenty of opportunities next year."

Shymka's opportunities were limited to nine matches last season. Her lone goal was the sixth in CU's 6-0 win at Oregon State. She played a season-high 24 minutes against the Beavers and totaled just 88 on the season.

"I think I was disappointed last season with getting injured really early on," Shymka recalled. "I am super hungry to come back healthy and prove to myself and to the team that I will do whatever it takes to put myself in the best situation to succeed."

So far, so good.

Shymka has gotten starts this spring against Air Force and Nebraska. She has created scoring-chance after scoring-chance for the Buffaloes, registering a handful of near-misses. Her efforts finally paid off against the Cornhuskers. Her rocket of a shot hit the bottom of the crossbar and bounced across the goal line in CU's 1-0 win.

"We feel we have a lot of players, including Cam, that have the capability to make an impact," Sanchez continued. "I think Cam still has a lot to prove in her career and I think she'll say the same thing. Sometimes your best year is your last year. We are hoping that she continues developing and is ready to go in August."

CU's attacking corps is one of the most experienced position groups entering 2019. Eight forwards return from a year ago, including seniors Barton and Stephanie Zuniga. Incoming freshman Kyla Ferry will join the fray of underclassmen in the fall.

"I just want to have the best season possible," Shymka stated. "I want that for the team as well. I have been faced with some struggles throughout my time here. I think now I am finally healthy and ready to go. I am in the best shape that I've been in. I think that and all the experience that I have is really going to help."

France 2019: The march to the fall does not end after this week. CU will have a few more opportunities to get out and compete this summer before the start of fall camp. The Buffs will play four matches as part of their trip to France in June.

Donations to help fund the team's trip are still welcome: Donate

Players Mentioned

Tatum Barton

Jorian Baucom

Camilla Shymka

Stephanie Zuniga

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