While the 2010 Pali Blues season gave several players the opportunity to experience first-hand how the sport of soccer is outside the college ranks. It also gave others like Christie Shaner the chance to contribute their field skills and knowledge to our organization and our area supporters.
As past examples like Kelly O’Hara, Amy LePeilbet, Lauren Cheney, Carrie Dew, Karen Bardsley, and Ali Riley (to name a few) have shown, being a part of the Pali Blues has put players and their careers onto paths of greatness.
Soon after at the conclusion of the USL W-League season, Shaner was picked up by the Chicago Red Stars of WPS. Shaner was brought on board as a developmental player with the idea of being on the match day roster as soon as possible.
"It’s basically an emergency situation, and we’re going to bring Christie in right away," Red Stars Head Coach Omid Namazi said speaking with boxscorenews.com. "She has experience in this league; she has height and physicality to her play. It’s basically a stop-gap situation and we’re going to throw her into the mix."
In her first match back in the “mix”, she went the full 90 in a 2-0 loss against the Washington Freedom. As players began to heal though, Shaner’s playing time diminished as the season came to a close.
Back at home, Shaner was the guest speaker alongside former US National Team player Tish Venturini at the Annual Legends F.C. General Meeting. Shaner spoke to inspire the players of this all female soccer club to achieve their greatest heights in the sport by telling them stories of how she got to her current playing level. She taught them to never give up, to make every 50/50 ball a competition, and to persevere when joining a new team; despite the fact that it can at first be a little scary when playing in higher and higher levels of competition.
It is thanks to players like Christie Shaner who give back to the community by not only playing, but also by being a positive role model for the young players in the community, that the Pali Blues has been able to make it’s mark on Women’s soccer history.
