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By Tim Goodenow for MSNsportsNET.com
October 5, 2007

	Amanda Cicchini

Her career numbers are far from jaw-dropping. In two and a half seasons, Cicchini has played in 48 matches, registering 19 career points on 7 goals and 5 assists.

The Oakville, Ontario, native has found the net twice this season, scoring goals in the season-opener against Bowing Green and at BIG EAST foe Pitt. However, Cicchini frowns on seeing her name in the box score.

“I play soccer because I love the sport and love the game,” says Cicchini, who was named to the 2007 Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Watch List. “Awards and interviews are really just not my thing. The attention is not something I’m comfortable with. I came here to get a degree and play soccer. I know it sounds simple but that is the truth.”

Cicchini relishes the roll of student in student-athlete, hoping to blend in with the rest of the 27,000 students in Morgantown. She doesn’t always walk around the WVU campus wearing her women’s soccer gear. In fact, the 5-foot-2 junior would likely rather be dressed up. It’s part of her fun, easy-going personality.

Last fall Cicchini was asked to leave campus and suit up for Team Canada at the FIFA U-20 World Championships in Russia. Proud to represent her country, Cicchini excelled on the field but found herself missing her teammates and missed the 2006 opener against Richmond.

“I have played with the national program for awhile now and it was a great experience. Playing in two World Cups is something I’ll never forget,” says Cicchini of her international playing experience. “But right now my focus is West Virginia soccer. I really want this team to do well and I could not see myself missing all that training again.”

One coach elated to hear those words was West Virginia’s Nikki Izzo-Brown. The 12th-year head coach knows better than anyone the significance of having her midfielder on the field.

“Amanda may be small in stature but she plays so big for us. She can get in the air and is very physical for her size,” says Izzo-Brown. “She is maybe 5-2 but plays like someone who might be 5-9. She can, and will, mix it up with anyone out there.”

“Height has never been an issue with me on the field because I use different skills to compensate and make up the difference,” adds Cicchini.

Her role in the midfield requires her to run from end line, to end line, and sideline to sideline. She is a great one-on-one defender and has the creativity to spark an offensive attack.

Despite all her of her success, Cicchini knows she can do more. Her coaches have encouraged the crafty playmaker to get more involved offensively.

“I’m more of a defensive player but need to be on the attack more when I get the ball,” explains Cicchini. “I am usually quick to play the ball or will go side-to-side when my coaches want me to go up field and attack the defense. I need to look to score and just shoot more in general.”

Her unselfish play is one trait Cicchini posseses that reminds Izzo-Brown of former WVU All-American and current assistant coach Lisa Stoia.

“She reminds me of Stoia in that she makes things happen just being out there,” says Izzo-Brown. “What Amanda does on and off the ball for us is so important. She has the rare ability to get the offensive attack started and connect our offense with our defense.”

While her production is not always apparent on a stat sheet, opposing coaches sure have taken notice of Cicchini’s efforts. She has twice been named all-BIG EAST and all-region as a midfielder.

“It’s nice to know others are taking notice and think of my game in those regards,” says a humble Cicchini. “I’m not out there to impress anyone other than my coach. If I am doing what Nikki wants, then hopefully that means our team is winning games.”

Winning games they have, appearing in seven straight NCAA tournaments. It is quickly becoming clear the value Cicchini holds with her West Virginia teammates is immeasurable.

“Amanda does so much for this team,” says Izzo-Brown. “Sometimes we take her for granted because we expect her to play so well every time. And she does it in a way that looks effortless.”

Don’t forget to check out No. 10 in white today. She might score a goal, she might not. But she’ll contribute in many ways in trying to win a game for her teammates.