Soccer bids farewell to senior Berendowsky

Saying goodbye is not easy, and that has never been more true than in the case of Amber Berendowsky, a player who has epitomized Michigan women's soccer and put the program on the national map.

"We are saying goodbye to the greatest senior class we've ever had," Michigan coach Debbie Belkin said. "And Amber was certainly a big part of that."

Last Saturday, when the final seconds ticked down on the Wolverines' season in a 1-0 NCAA Tournament loss to Wake Forest, it marked the end of a remarkable journey.

Berendowsky arrived on the scene in 1996 as a marquee prospect from nearby Brighton High School. Michigan soccer was still just a baby, entering the third season in its young history. The Wolverines were thirsting for credibility and yearning for respect.

DAVID ROCHKIND/Daily After losing to Wake Forest in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the Wolverines will have to deal with another setback - the graduation of a talented senior class, including star forward Amber Berendowsky.

Berendowsky made an immediate splash, leading the Wolverines with 19 points in her freshman season. Thanks to her contributions and her growth as a scorer, Michigan finished above .500 for the first time ever.

That season would prove to be a sign of things to come, as Berendowsky led Michigan to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 1997 and 1998.

1997 was especially sweet, as Michigan posted an 18-4-1 record and captured the Big Ten Tournament title. The Wolverines were suddenly catapulted into national prominence and Berendowsky was right in the center of the action.

1998 marked the season when Berendowsky cemented her place in school history by becoming Michigan's all-time leader in goals (40), points (113), and assists (33).

Ironically, this season was Berendowsky's worst, in terms of statistics. She sustained an ankle injury early in the year and was relegated to spectator status for nearly half the season. Berendowsky started just five of 17 regular season games and struggled to recapture her best form.

"My teammates were supportive of me throughout my injuries," Berendowsky said. "They really made me feel like a part of the team."

Berendowsky re-entered the fold for the stretch drive and slowly regained her swagger. Her top performance came, fittingly, on Senior Day against Butler, when she recorded her 31st career assist to earn the Big Ten record.

Berendowsky was then an integral part of Michigan's second Big Ten Tournament title, and she chipped in a goal in the 5-0 blanking of Wright State at home in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

But her season and career came to an end in heartbreaking fashion with Saturday's loss.

"It's an empty feeling right now," Berendowsky said immediately afterward. "I am very sad to see this season end."

Berendowsky can take some solace in that she was Michigan's best player against the Demon Deacons.

In the face of constant pressure, she was the one Wolverine who managed to find open space and play a strong game.

Yet, Berendowsky has never placed her individual performance ahead of team goals.

The Wolverines fell short, but she leaves behind a legacy that future Wolverines will be hard-pressed to top. And the best part is that she had fun doing it.

"These were the best four years of my life," Berendowsky said. "I am very proud to have played soccer for the University of Michigan."

11-18-99