Hofstra women's soccer defensive midfielder adds some offensive punch to aide national ranking

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications
The 23rd ranked Hofstra women’s soccer has received many contributions during its current 13-game winning streak on both offense and defense. One Pride player aiding on both ends of the field during Hofstra’s magical run has been versatile red-shirt junior defensive midfielder Brittany Butts, who after two years of rock solid defensive play has added some offensive punch to her game

Butts scored her first career goal in a 3-1 win at Big Ten power Indiana on Sept. 12 and added her second tally in a 4-1 triumph over Towson on Oct. 8. “Everyone makes fun of me because I’m always the one to never score, never shoot so hopefully I’m turning that around,” said Butts. “It feels nice to finally get some goals in the back of the net.”

Butts arrived at Hofstra in 2007 after a stellar career at nearby Massapequa High School, where she led the Chiefs to two state championships and earned all-state honors as a junior. After taking a medical red-shirt in 2007, Butts was named to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) All-Rookie team in 2008. Hofstra women’s soccer head coach Simon Riddiough said Butts came into the 2010 season with much higher confidence than her first two years with the Pride.

“This year it is all coming together for her,” said Riddiough.  “She is recognizing that she can be big time for us and when she does that she very, very dangerous, very effective and she makes a huge difference to the team.”

“I have a different perspective now as I’m a little less nervous,” said Butts of her increased confidence this season. “I’ve been around for awhile and I just want to have fun and play well and do my best and having that different perspective helps you relax and just be a little bit better on the ball.”

After losing overtime heartbreakers the last two years in the CAA Tournament, Butts said she and her Pride teammates have been driven all year long to reach the coveted NCAA Women’s College Cup. When Hofstra last reached the NCAAs in 2007 Butts was on the sidelines during her medical red-shirt season and having the chance to play in soccer’s postseason showcase would mean the world to the versatile midfielder.

“[Reaching the NCAA Tournament] would be absolutely incredible,” said Butts. “Everyone has been working so hard and wants it so bad.”