From rookies to graduating seniors, Spencer Valdespino and Jess Coates have taken advantage of their time on the pitch, starting off their senior season as the most decorated soccer players in the program’s history.

Coming from Florida, Valdespino did not play in a competitive league, but instead played in a recreational league before starting as forward for Nicholls. Valdespino claims her ability to recognize rare opportunities as a college level player is due to previously having to create opportunities during her time as a recreational player.

During the Southland Conference Tournament, the program’s first postseason game victory, Valdespino was able to score the lone goal in a 1-0 win over McNeese State University. Valdespino feels proud to have scored but apologized for having stolen the ball from one of her teammates.

“Making history with them [the team] is amazing,” Valdespino said.

Valdespino’s goal is to make her senior year the best for the team by going after the win of the Conference Tournament.

Valdespino earned Honorable Mention All-Southland Conference and First Team All-Louisiana in 2012, as well as Southland conference soccer player of the year, Louisiana Sports Writer’s Association player of the year, three-time Southland Conference offensive player of the week and National Socer Coaches Association of America second team All-Region in 2013. In 2014 she was awarded All-Southland First Team, SLC Player of the Week and LSWA First Team. Valdespino currently holds the Nicholls’s record for the most points per game, assists per game and goals per game.

“It’s definitely humbling. It’s really nice to know I came here and made a difference, but at the same time it’s because of the people I was coached by and played with who have confidence in me,” Valdespino said.

Coates was awarded All-Southland First Team, Southland All-Academic First Team, NSCAA All-Region Team and LSWA Honorable Mention in 2014. Coates arrived at Nicholls from Sydney, Australia.

“I may have gotten a few accolades, but I think they are only a representation of our team getting stronger and better. I am just the lucky one picking up the points,” Coates said.

According to Coates, the game was played more physical but less technical in the United States than in Australia. Coates said the different styles have made her a better player, and although she has come to play both physical and technical, she continues to keep a strong root to her technical playing style.

Coates’s goal this season is to win the Conference Tournament and for the team to continue to play a few games after. The team and her family and friends in Australia motivate her.

“They [parents and friends] are a huge part of who I am, and I know whatever I do makes them proud,” Coates said.

Head Coach Dylan Harrison said the girls have been a big part in the team’s success, but the team has also contributed to the girls’ success by giving them the opportunities to score and change the game.

“Yes, we want to send them out on a high note but we also have to get better as a team, and that includes who are following in their footsteps. Their teammates are behind them and making them better, “Brianna Pichenpaugh, assistant coach, said.