Tanna Benefiel, sophomore health promotions major, did not think she would be playing collegiate level soccer. However, the midfielder has quickly made an impact on young ESU team, which is comprised mainly of freshmen and sophomores, by assisting the Hornets to the playoffs last fall.

Despite her success now, Benefiel did not always enjoy soccer.

“I started when I was four, my parents forced me to play,” Benefiel said. “I used to sit on the field, crying, and trying to take my cleats off.”

It wasn’t until third grade that Benefiel began to appreciate soccer, playing on her first club team. She continued her career at Maize High School and began looking into Division II soccer her sophomore year.

She played in a soccer showcase her junior year and attracted the attention of Bryan Sailor, head soccer coach at Emporia State.

Benefiel came to ESU for a college visit and soon signed to play for the Hornets.

“I just like the idea of being on a team,” Benefiel said. “My team makes me happy. It truly is my family.”

Benefiel emphasized how great of a support system she has.

“My parents are my biggest supporters, they come to every game,” Benefiel said. “They even flew to a game 16 hours away. And my teammate, Kennedy (Hoffman), is the best roommate ever. Living with her is a roller coaster, for sure.”

Since coming to ESU in the fall of 2016, she has improved her skills and helped her teammates grow. Benefiel worked with her team to get to the playoffs last year.

“We were able to come in and do that, the goal is to take it a step further each and every year,” Benefiel said.

Hornets are currently 2-2-1 in MIAA conference play, according to esuhornets.com. Benefiel has scored four of the nine goals this season.

The Hornet women will travel Warrensburg, Missouri to take on the University of Central Missouri. According to ucmathletics.com, the game will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at the South Recreation Complex.