It was November of last year when Olivia Lillegraven had to watch from the sidelines as the Washington University women’s soccer team was upset 1-0 by University of Puget Sound in the first round of the NCAA playoffs. A broken ankle suffered a month earlier against Case Western Reserve University forced her off the field with five games left in the regular season and eliminated a vital offensive weapon for a team looking to make a serious run at the NCAA title.

Mary Richardson | Student Life

Then-junior Olivia Lillegraven races down the field during a 2014 game agains Wheaton College. After a broken ankle ended her season last year, Lillegraven returned to lead the UAA with eight goals scored.

“The injury was difficult because it went undiagnosed for three weeks, so it was very tough mentally to deal with that and to go through the rehab process,” Lillegraven said. “When I found out I was done for the season, I tried to support my teammates and help them out. But I think in some ways my injury helped me to be a more positive person and to look at the sport from a different perspective.”

One year later, Lillegraven is back and reinvigorating the Bears’ offense. The team currently has an overall record of 10-1 and is ranked seventh in the nation according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The senior forward currently leads the team and the University Athletic Association with eight goals scored. Behind her foot, the Red and Green have outshot their opponents 265-82.

This past Tuesday’s match at Principia College was an open showcase of Lillegraven’s impact on Wash. U.’s potent offense. Only 47 seconds into the game, Lillegraven booted a cross from sophomore Rachel Mickelson into the net. Less than five minutes later, she struck again with a volley to the near post of another cross, this time from fellow senior Liz Collins. Wash. U. went on cruise past Principia by a final score of 6-0, a good momentum builder a week before a slate of conference matchups.

“Our lineup and my position on the field has definitely helped,” Lillegraven said, “but I think our chemistry up top has blended together nicely so that we are able to get balls through the defenses and find more scoring opportunities.”

The team as already faced a number of tight matches thus far, but Lillegraven’s clutch performances have made a significant impact. She has three game-winning goals coming against Wartburg College, Wheaton College and Tuesday against Principia. For her career, Lillegraven has 14 game-winning strikes, which is good for third all-time in Wash. U. history.

“I am a very competitive person, so in big games I think that I thrive in that type of an environment,” Lillegraven said. “But I do not think I have a ‘clutch gene’ that helps me out. I just rely on my teammates and my determination to get the job done.”

Aside from her scoring frenzy, this season is also different in many other aspects for Lillegraven. As a senior captain, she has more responsibilities as a leader, but she also feels that her relationship with her teammates has improved considerably over the years. Part of that has come with participating in team-building traditions.

One of the team’s traditions is the red and green sombrero, which is awarded after each win to a player the team believes played well and contributed.

Another quirk is the Wash. U. chant.

“Every time a goal is scored, you will hear someone yell ‘WU’ three times followed by a bellowing ‘WUSTL’ chant on the field,” head coach Jim Conlon said. “This tradition helps to remind us that we the entire team is part of the goal, that we are a family sharing in this celebration.”

“We just try to make a fun and positive environment,” Lillegraven said. “During warm ups we like to dance, and while other teams may think that we are not focused, that is our way of letting off steam. Games are supposed to be serious, but we all love playing soccer, and we want to express our joy however we can.”

Conlon also sees a lot of change in his star forward from when she was a freshman, both in skill development and maturity. Conlon makes it a point to meet with all of his players periodically throughout the season to gauge their mind-sets and feelings.

“Over the past four years Olivia has made great strides in developing both physically and mentally. This season is shaping up well because of the growth of all the seven seniors on the team,” Conlon said. “They have helped mentor the younger players, but they have also come to some realizations as to how to create a positive environment.”

This emphasis on creating an upbeat mood might stem from Lillegraven’s years growing up in California. Aside from soccer, she also competed in track-and-field events such as the triple jump and the hurdles. Recreationally, Lillegraven also participated in surfing and sailing. Her positive attitude and laser focus are beneficial attributes off the pitch as well. After her senior year, Lillegraven plans on attending medical school.

But while soccer is a fun outlet at a demanding institution like Wash. U., there is still one goal left on the team’s agenda: winning a national title. The Bears have yet to claim the big prize, but there are some signs this season that appear promising. For example, the Red and Green knocked off rival Wheaton for the first time since 2006.

“Beating Wheaton was definitely an incredible moment and memory for our team,” Lillegraven said. “We are having a great season so far, but we cannot get complacent. We have a lot of games to play, and we have to keep our focus in check. But I feel this group is capable of special things.”