Colorado University Athletics
Tompkins Set to Lead Goalkeepers
August 09, 2019 | Soccer
BOULDER – Senior goalkeeper Jalen Tompkins has spent her career as part of a tandem in net for the Buffaloes. This season the three-time captain is set to take full responsibility in net as Colorado's only keeper with previous experience.
Tompkins and graduated senior Scout Watson pushed each other in season's past. Watson has moved on to the professional ranks with Reign FC, leaving Tompkins as the clear-cut No. 1 in net. Newly added freshmen Megan Short and Emma Miller are eight practices into their Colorado career's and looking to fill that No. 2 spot behind Tompkins.
"As we all know, JJ has been a leader since the day she got here," head coach Danny Sanchez commented. "Even her freshman year when she redshirted, she was probably the third-string goalkeeper. Her attitude, her work rate, her attention to detail hasn't changed at all."
Tompkins enters her final season at CU as the programs all-time leader in save percentage (.862) and goals-against average (.79). She is tied for the school-record with 37 career wins and has totaled 268 saves in her three years in net.
The Phoenix, Ariz., native recorded a 12-4-3 record last season, picking up all but one of CU's wins. The season ended in heartbreak for Colorado, narrowly missing out on a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. That feeling has stayed with Tompkins and the rest of the team, fueling a fire for the 2019 season.
"The first thing I did when we didn't make the tournament was to get with [strength coach] Travis [Larson]," Tompkins explained. "That next morning, I asked him 'what can I do to have the best season possible?' I never want to feel that feeling again. Since that moment, I've just taken every day and pushed myself hard for the future."
The comfort level for both freshmen has been improving with every practice and both Short and Miller have made strides in the first week.
"It hasn't even been that long, but I am feeling more and more comfortable with the team," Short noted. "I feel like I am doing a better job of directing players on the field. I am learning so much and becoming a better goalie."
Tompkins has been a big help to both Short and Miller in the Buffs' first week of practice. Both newcomers have credited her with helping them along in the early going.
"JJ's been a big help," Miller said. "She knows her stuff. She is obviously a great player. For her to give out constructive criticism—I really appreciate whatever I can get."
Both freshmen have been able to impress the coaches in the first week. The battle for the backup spot will continue with the goal of getting both keepers ready to play.
"[Associate head coach] Jason [Green] has been pretty happy with them," Sanchez added. "It's the first week in so there has been a lot of teaching. We have been pleased with their athleticism and willingness to learn. They have a lot of work to do. It is still a wide-open battle that to be honest will likely go all the way through the season."
The Buffaloes will head off on a team retreat next week to continue preparing for the season. CU opens the season at home against Drake on Aug. 22.
