WILMINGTON, North Carolina - From Seahawk teal, gold and navy blue to a mother of two, Maria Sorg's life has changed quite a bit from her days as a women's soccer player at UNCW.

Sorg, formerly Maria Sabella, played for Head Coach Paul Cairney and the Seahawks from 1994-97. "I will always remember my time at UNCW, and appreciate all that it has done to make me who I am," Sorg said.

In the four years that Sorg played defense for the team, first as sweeper and then to the better-suited position of defensive back, she scored two goals and had four assists. She played and started in 76 games, ranking her second all-time in starts and fifth in appearances. At the same time, Sorg maintained a grade point average of 3.7 in the classroom.

Sorg earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry in 1997, and graduated from the N.C. State College of Veterinary Medicine four years later. "I am currently a veterinarian in Hampstead, N.C., in a small practice where I provide general medicine and surgery to dogs and cats," she said.

In 2002 she married her high school sweetheart, and best friend, Mike Sorg. The couple  has two young children Ava, 6, and Lily, 3. "Ava is currently playing soccer and is starting to really enjoy it," Sorg said. "While Lily currently hates soccer; she puts on her jersey and sits on the sideline and cries and sucks her thumb."

Sorg has enjoyed many rewards since being a student-athlete at UNCW, and finds every day to be a challenge. "The biggest accomplishment would have to be the everyday balance of motherhood, my job, and physical fitness."

Although over 10 years have passed since she endured grueling early morning practices, Sorg fondly recalls her time as a student-athlete, "I remember the 6 a.m. runs on the track. I remember the smell of the field and the feeling I got right before a game. I remember the special bond I had with Paul and my team."

Coaches are often mentors in the eyes of their athletes and Cairney was no exception. "It is difficult to describe my bond with Paul. He made me cry on many occasions, but I would have done anything to make him proud," Sorg said. "He was a cross between a big brother, a best friend, and an army sergeant."

Cairney remembers Sorg very well and places much of her success on her pride and determination. "Maria was exceptionally driven and praised by her teammates for leading by example," Cairney said.

Although Sorg strived to be the best player she could, it was not always easy. "I remember the tears and the struggles - trying to find my place on the team, and trying to find a way to utilize and develop my strengths while minimizing my weaknesses-what a lesson in life." Sorg said.

Developing strengths is something Cairney has done with many players. "It is our job as coaches to put players in the correct role so that they can use their strengths," Cairney said, "Not every player possesses every skill-set needed, therefore, we do not want to put a player in a position where they are set up to fail, or their weaknesses would be exposed."

There were many other life lessons Sorg learned at UNCW. "It taught me that there is no substitute for hard work and preparation. If something is worth having, it's worth all the hard work and effort that goes along with it," Sorg said.

Playing collegiate soccer also taught Sorg about failure. Just as in every war, there are battles won and lost, the same can be said of sports, and ultimately, of life itself. "Everyone falls down, and the successful people in life are those that learn from their mistakes and move forward; smarter, stronger, and with more resolve," she said.

Being a student-athlete has its pros and cons, but being a top-notch student was always a top priority for Sorg. She misses many aspects that are associated with college life, "I have looked long and hard to try to recapture friendships and the competitive environment," she said.

Sorg has tried all types of activities, from running marathons to adult league soccer, in attempt to duplicate the atmosphere. "I finally found it at CrossFit of Wilmington. I am competing at the national CrossFit games with my team," she said, "It's a little taste of what I had at UNCW!"

It may never truly be possible, Sorg understands, to regain the environment of competitive soccer, and the thrill of being a student-athlete. "Current student-athletes should remember to enjoy every minute of their time at UNCW. It can be wonderful and fulfilling, but you must find something that you are passionate about to pursue as a career," she said.

Cairney believes that Sorg was the epitome of all that a student-athlete should be. "She excelled in the classroom and was very competitive in the academic arena. I talk to many future UNCW players about her academic record and her drive to become a veterinarian after graduation. She was, and still is, one of the huge success stories of UNCW women's soccer."

- Megan Burress, Summer Intern