Sydney Beach Headed To SLU For Soccer
Sydney Beach, a senior defender for the Triad girls soccer team recently signed a national letter of intent to attend St. Louis University and play soccer for the Billikens. Seated with Sydney are her parents Ron and Lauren Beach. Standing is Scott Gallagher Coach Laura Ridolfi and Triad Head Girls Socer Coach Matt Bettlach. Photo by J.W. Campbell
By J.W. Campbell, Sportwriter
Fulfilling a commitment she made several years ago, Triad senior Sydney Beach recently signed a national letter of intent to attend St. Louis University and play soccer for the Billikens.
“I actually made a verbal commitment to SLU as sophomore,” Beach said. “Since then, several other places approached me, including SIUE, but I decided to stay with SLU. I met with the coaches and the team and loved the atmosphere there. I’ve been around them and they’re great.”
Beach, who has been an all-conference performer three times during her high school career, earned a first-team choice in 2018, a second-team pick in 2017 and an honorable mention in 2016. During the 2018 season, Beach was a key player for a Triad defense that limited the opposition to just nine goals in 21 games. Triad finished the year with a 16-4-3 record and tied for first place in the Mississippi Valley Conference with a 9-1 record, having split their two contests with Waterloo, the MVC’s other co-champion.
“Sydney has been a four-year starter for us; you just can’t say enough about her,” Triad Coach Matt Bettlach said. “She’s our everything. It starts in the back. She dictates the play. She directs traffic and is just a soccer smart player. She’s fast. She’s physical. She’s very good with the ball. She can win balls out of the air. She can shoot a ball. She can play anywhere on the field, but she’s such a smart defender we can’t take her out of the back. Sydney has the potential to be an all-stater this year.”
In SLU, Beach is joining a top Division I team. During the 2018 season, the Billikens went 10-0 in the Atlantic 10 Conference and were 18-4-1 overall.
Katie Shields is the head women’s soccer coach for the Billikens. She is in her sixth year at the helm of the SLU women’s program.
Beach is the daughter of Lauren and Ron Beach.
