Calvin University adds Western Michigan Christian goalkeeper Libby Mast

By Seth Vanderwest
LocalSportsJournal.com

NORTON SHORES–Western Michigan Christian goalkeeper Libby Mast has signed her national letter of intent to continue her soccer career at Calvin University.

Mast, a four-year varsity player and two-year captain, is nearing the end of her senior season with the Warriors. She has helped lead the Warriors to an undefeated record in the Lakes 8 and a 6-6-4 overall record.

Mast has an 89 percent save percentage and allows up less than a goal per game.

She has had a rather unusual path to collegiate sports, giving up soccer for a while, but returning her freshman year to replace an injured senior.

“Libby has been a huge blessing to our program,” said WMC soccer coach Debbie Pekel. “She got tricked into playing her freshman year after a season-ending injury for the senior goalkeeper at the time. From there, she fell back in love with the sport. She’s spent the last 2 1/2 years working towards her dream to play college soccer at Calvin University and it’s amazing to see that dream begin to unfold.”

Pekel praises not only Mast’s skill as a goalkeeper, but also her leadership abilities and character.

“She has been a great leader, not only in the net, but [also] as a captain and student that exemplifies WMC’s mission,” Pekel said. “She is a big personality and genuinely cares for her teammates around her. We will miss not only her presence in goal, but also her presence in our program.”

Calvin is a Division III university in Grand Rapids. The women’s soccer team tallied a 13-4-1 record last fall. Mast will arrive as one of several candidates to replace graduating senior Sarah Hoekwater in goal.

Mast is a three-sport athlete at WMC, playing on the volleyball and basketball teams in addition to soccer.

She has a 3.8 GPA and plans to study business at Calvin.

Libby is the daughter of Jeff and Sandra Mast.