Courtsey of Brian Beard

Last weekend, women’s soccer (2–7–6; 1–7–2 NESCAC) forward Kayley Huleatt ’28 scored both goals to propel the Polar Bears to a 2–2 draw against fourth-ranked NESCAC team Amherst College (9–1–5; 5–1–4 NESCAC). In order to end the season on a positive note with a memorable last game, Huleatt knew the stakes at hand.

“We knew we needed a win out of this game, so we focused on what we could control at this point,” Huleatt said.  “It’s the end of the season. We can hope that some other teams lose so that we can go through, but going into the game, we watched film to try to capitalize on the weaknesses.”

Even though the Polar Bears tied with the Mammoths, Huleatt admitted it was her favorite game of the season.

“We were able to show the league that we are capable of beating one of the top opponents … also [coming] back from a deficit to score two goals. That was really a testament to our resilience. That’s awesome,” Huleatt said.

Amherst scored in the 11th minute to take an early lead, but the Polar Bears responded with just three minutes left in the half. After a corner kick from Emilia Tutun ’26, Huleatt scored her third goal of her first collegiate season to tie the game.

“I was happy to score, but I don’t want to take that away from the team. Our team was able to come together and really take on one of the best opponents in the NESCAC,” Huleatt said.

Ten minutes into the second half, Huleatt’s successful penalty kick gave the Polar Bears the lead.

“I was hesitant to take it because my knee was hurting, but I decided to step up and take it for the team,” Huleatt said. “I was watching which way the keeper went. I knew I just needed to bury that because we needed that goal to get the lead.”

Despite the Polar Bears’ going up 2–1, Amherst evened the score in the 60th minute, and the game ended in a 2–2 draw. Huleatt finished with three shots on goal and two goals.

Scoring goals is nothing new to Huleatt, who has played soccer since elementary school. After starting competitive soccer in fourth grade, she hasn’t looked back, later joining a rec team, a club team and then playing in high school. Looking to continue playing the sport she loves, Huleatt highlighted how Bowdoin stood out during her college search.

“The environment and the people were the two things that stuck out to me. I was looking at some other programs, but when I visited here, it just felt right. The people, the coaches and the players that I met were all super friendly and outgoing. I also knew the program’s success, so that was awesome,” Huleatt emphasized.

Huleatt also credits her two older brothers for constantly pushing her and preparing her for the college environment. According to Huleatt, seeing her brothers have positive collegiate experiences pushed her to follow their footsteps.

“As far as players, I really look up to Messi, and then on the [U.S.] Women’s National Team, Carly Lloyd. But my main role models have been my older brothers who both play collegiate soccer.… They really helped me to be prepared for the college environment [and gave me] specific training tips and everything,” Huleatt said.

One of Huleatt’s favorite parts about the Bowdoin team is bonding with her teammates.

“The team has a really positive and encouraging environment, which has helped all of the first years be able to step up and fulfill roles that are needed on this team. Getting to know each other better off the field has really helped us on the field, and it’s been impressive to watch that this season,” Huleatt said.

Huleatt emphasized how much of a difference her teammates and the supportive environment has made, especially during difficult games and challenges throughout the season

“We’ve managed to stick together during a season that hasn’t necessarily always gone our way. We’ve had a lot of results that were pretty unlucky, but I think we’ve maintained a really positive environment where people are really carrying and picking up the other players around them,” Huleatt said.

As the Polar Bears have now wrapped up their season, Huleatt reflects on how far she has come.

“The speed of play has been different from what I was used to in high school. The NESCAC is very physical,” Huleatt expressed. “I’ve really improved, especially adjusting to the physicality of play.”