W. Soccer's Campbell is watching and waiting

Sarah Campbell just can't catch a break.

Instead, she seems to catch the injury bug at the most inopportune times.

Since coming to West Philadelphia in 1998, the senior tri-captain of the Penn women's soccer team has been a consistent force for the Quakers. Still, she has seldom reaped the rewards of her hard work, as nagging injuries have forced her to the sidelines and made her a spectator for some of the team's best moments.

Campbell made an immediate impact for the Quakers her freshman year. She played in every game and started eight.

Penn, however, had a subpar season, finishing 1-5-1 in the Ivy League.

In 1999, Campbell was enjoying a great individual season and the Quakers were steamrolling through opponents. But a knee injury midway through the year put Campbell on the outside looking in for the remainder of the campaign, one that ended with the program's first-ever NCAA berth.

"That's why you come here, and watching it go before your eyes is one of the toughest things to deal with," Campbell said of being kept off the field during the Quakers' 1-0 first-round loss to James Madison in the 1999 NCAA Tournament.

Come 2000, the defensive stalwart and midfielder for the Quakers was rehabilitated and ready to make another quest for tournament play.

She had her best year since arriving at Penn. Campbell started all 18 games injury-free and earned second-team All-Ivy honors.

The Red and Blue, conversely, struggled to repeat the success of 199. They were hurt by the lack of continuity that comes with playing under their third coach in as many years. Penn finished 10-8-1 overall and 2-5 in Ancient Eight play.

Enter 2001.

Darren Ambrose decided to come back for a second campaign, which is unprecedented for a Penn women's soccer coach during Campbell's tenure at Penn. But, the Quakers only have four upperclassmen to guide a very young team, a number which indicates this will be a rebuilding year for the Red and Blue.

Nevertheless, Penn has gotten off to a torrid start. The Quakers are 2-0 and their freshmen have paid great early dividends, netting all eight of Penn's goals. The Red and Blue are teeming with excitement as it looks as if they might be a force to reckon with in the Ivy League.

Unfortunately for Campbell, history has a tendency of repeating itself. Just when Penn seems to be on the brink of success, the Freehold, N.J., native finds herself once again unable to perform, unable to help.

Campbell started and played 20 minutes in Penn's season-opening win over Iowa State on Sept. 7, only to reinjure an Achilles tendon strain that she suffered in a preseason scrimmage.

She missed Penn's Sept. 9 home win over Delaware and is unsure when she will return to action.

It's as if Campbell can smell success, but just can't taste it. She must not only deal with the physical pain of her injuries, but must also endure the emotional strain of watching from the sidelines when she knows she could be a productive member of the team.

"It is probably one of the toughest things to deal with and probably one of the toughest things to handle as a senior in my last season," Campbell said. "It sucks, that's the best way to sum it up."

Campbell, an approachable, warm person and invaluable team leader, still does everything she can to guide her team to victory from the bench.

"Even if I'm not playing, it will be 100 percent support," Campbell said. "Motivating is harder from the sideline, but all I can do is reinforce everything."

Every member of the Quakers realizes the importance of Campbell to the team, even if she is relegated to the sidelines.

"Sarah is a leader in ability on and off the field," Penn sophomore midfielder Ashley Glaubach said. "She doesn't lose her place just because she isn't on the field. She has a way of picking everyone up just through her work ethic. A lot of people look up to her."

Ambrose, who has only coached Campbell for one full season, already acknowledges her great presence and exemplary play.

"Sarah is an emotional and consummate captain," the coach said. "Every 10-year-old girl looking to play soccer needs to watch Sarah Campbell. Her desire to win is incredible."

For reasons out of her control, Sarah Campbell's individual success and hard work has not translated into an opportunity for her to celebrate on the field with her teammates at the squad's most exciting moments.

But there is no doubt that she has contributed to any prosperity the Quakers have earned during her career, even if her support was only vocal at times.

This season, there are sure to be bumps in the road because of the inexperience of the Red and Blue.

Campbell, one of only two seniors on the Quakers, will be called on to rally the troops in times of adversity.

In contrast to her frustrating past, Campbell hopes to be at the head of the pack taking the field when the Quakers find their winning touch.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.