Oct. 7, 2006

By Brandon Butcher, MU Media Relations student assistant

Some tigers weren't meant to be caged up. They need open spaces to run and room to explore. Aria Hudetz is no exception. She sees life as an adventure and is anxious to take it on. She possesses a spirit and a passion for life that inspires. Anyone who has met her or seen her play soccer knows this.

Perhaps her adventurous spirit is the result of her childhood in Fort Collins, Colo., which Hudetz describes as unconventional. Her father, John, and mother, Elizabeth, wanted her to experience as many things as possible so they didn't give their daughter many rules. As a result, Hudetz was always exploring, always trying new things and always dreaming. It became clear to Hudetz early on what her greatest dream was: to play soccer at the highest level.

The pursuit of this dream began early. Really early. When only two years old, Hudetz used to run out onto the field to play with her two older brothers. To keep her from getting in the way, her father would have to run her down and carry her off. In elementary school, Aria recalls attending her older sister's bike races. Her sister was a professional cyclist for Team Saturn and as Aria watched in admiration, she dreamed of being a great athlete like her sister. In high school, the pursuit continued. After school and at night, Hudetz would jump the fences of her high school soccer field to practice shooting and get extra touches on the ball. It was clear that nothing was going to stop her from reaching her goal.

Hudetz realized her dream when she came to the University of Missouri on an athletic scholarship to play soccer. Heavily recruited out of Fort Collins High School, Hudetz chose Mizzou because of its relative proximity to home, academic reputation and because she liked the players and coaching staff.

During her time at Mizzou, Hudetz has made significant contributions both on and off the field. On the field, Hudetz, a wing midfielder, has been a key player for the Tigers, helping them to a winning record over the last four seasons as well as an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2003. She made an immediate impact in her freshman season, starting in 15 of 22 games and notching six points on the season. In her sophomore year she continued her success, starting in 12 of 19 games and earning Academic All-Big 12 first team honors. She was an invaluable part of last season's team, starting 19 of 20 games and finishing third on the team in points with six goals and four assists. She was also named to the Academic All-Big12 second team.

On the field, Hudetz has been described as an "innovative playmaker." Fans will immediately notice her impeccable touch and ability to put the ball exactly where she wants it. This season, Hudetz has helped the Tigers to an 8-5 start and looks to be an invaluable asset the remainder of the season in Big 12 and postseason competition.

Off the field, Hudetz is known for her free spirit and her genuine compassion for others. Her adventurous personality that was obvious throughout her childhood has certainly followed her to college. Hudetz loves to be outdoors and loves mountain biking, camping, jogging or playing any sport. She is always looking for a new adventure but sometimes, living in Columbia and being away from her beloved mountains, she has had to get creative. Hudetz remembers her freshman year when she and her roommates would run from their dorms to the student recreation center to play racquetball. Before they would go they would dress up in crazy outfits with neon headbands and wristbands to make the experience a little more fun. Fellow senior Meggie Malm, one of Hudetz' roommates, recalls the entertaining experiences she had with Hudetz freshman year.

"We would come up with the weirdest games to play in our rooms or in the hallway. We would always end up laughing and having a great time and getting in trouble for being too loud," said Malm.

Hudetz' friends and teammates would also describe her as one of the most compassionate and loving people they know.

"She's always been there for me, especially when things aren't going so well," said Malm. "She has always been a great listener and so supportive. She always finds a way to make me smile."

Hudetz says she hopes that she is someone with whom people feel comfortable talking to and sharing a deeper part of themselves.

Over the last few years, Hudetz has had some great memories on the soccer field, including her favorite from freshman year when the team made it all the way to the finals of the Big 12 tournament as an eighth seed. But she says her most meaningful experiences extend beyond the field into the friendships that she has made.

"The relationships you build are what matters most. That's what you remember."

Reflecting upon her time at Mizzou, Hudetz explains what it has felt like to reach her dreams.

"To hear your name announced over the speakers when you run out on to the field the first time is incredible. But I think it has been even more meaningful to hear it announced this year and know that I have made it all four years at the same school. To me that is an even greater achievement."

After she graduates with a degree in Biology, Hudetz' post-collegiate plans are uncertain. She has considered going to grad school on the West Coast, volunteering overseas in underprivileged countries or pursuing a long-held dream of teaching music in elementary school.

Aria Hudetz has never been someone who could be fenced in or one afraid to pursue her dreams with all of her heart. In her last four years she has achieved those dreams and more. She has made a significant impact on both the Mizzou women's soccer program and on the lives of those who have known her. For the girl who runs out during pre-game introductions to Tom Petty's "FreeFalling" it's clear there is nothing that can stop her from embracing her life as an adventure and chasing down her dreams.