’Sader Stories: Julia Walsh

Junior goalkeeper Julia Walsh has been a key addition to the Holy Cross women’s soccer program this seasons. The junior joined the team after transferring from Assumption University and has since made a huge impact in goal for the Crusaders. The California native has started six games this season, accumulating 540 minutes with 22 saves to 70 shots faced. She is currently maintaining a four game shutout streak and has earned Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week twice and the Hilton Garden Inn Crusader of the Week once this season. Walsh recently joined us to let us know a little more about her background and what she has done during her time on The Hill.

When and how did you first become aware of the Holy Cross women’s soccer program?

Having grown up always extremely interested in playing a sport in college, I had, of course, heard of “Holy Cross Athletics.” Even in high school, where I was three thousand miles away, I had seen the shield that everyone knows as Holy Cross’s athletic emblem. However, having first attended a college less than five miles away from 1 College Street, I immediately recognized and became more familiar with the distinguished academic and athletic reputation that Holy Cross had. I hadn’t necessarily considered staying close to the roots I established in Worcester until Coach Ben Graham initiated my recruitment and quickly concluded my time in the transfer portal by convincing me that I had not seen all that Worcester had to offer, and eventually to become the 370th member of the Holy Cross Women’s Soccer program. 

What made you decide you wanted to attend college at Holy Cross?

To be honest, I’m not sure I could have passed up the opportunity to have attended this college. Just about every characteristic of the school convinced me to become a Crusader. I’m lucky that my sport introduced me to this school, but its reputable academics and connections, its beautiful campus, and its unbeatable view is not necessarily something I felt like I could say ‘no’ to.

Tell us how receiving an athletic scholarship to Holy Cross has put you in position to receive an elite education while also having an outstanding athletic experience?

Even in my short experience here, Holy Cross has done nothing but exceed its reputation. I am extremely grateful that Graham contacted me and was willing to give a Division II goalkeeper a chance to play soccer in his program, because that eventually meant that not only could I excel in my sport, but that I could also excel in earning a degree with the name of one of the most reputable colleges in the country written on it. I now pride myself on being a student athlete at the College of the Holy Cross because I am surrounded by other extremely talented, smart, and well-rounded individuals who inspire me to be my best in the classroom, on the field, and as a person. 

Coming from California, what is the biggest difference living on the east coast? What do you miss from home?

I’d have to say the weather. I know it’s pretty stereotypical, but I’ve lived in San Diego my whole life, where the weather ranges between probably forty degrees all year–and you can go to the beach anywhere in that range! Living on the east coast has definitely forced me to expand my wardrobe and has taught me the significance of layering! That being said, I love experiencing the seasons here–there’s nothing like seeing the leaves change and listening to Christmas music when there is actually snow on the ground. Other than deeply missing my family and close friends, I really miss authentic Mexican food, specifically homemade, and In-n-Out.

What is your favorite thing about being part of the Holy Cross women’s soccer program?

I’m not sure I could pick just one thing, but if I had to, I think my answer would be the unbelievable team love and comradery. There’s nothing that I do with the team that doesn’t make me happy to be surrounded by such a strong, committed, hilarious, and uplifting group of women. Every single teammate has been nothing but supportive and inclusive in my transition as a transfer–I couldn’t have asked for a better team to join.

What are some of the things you and your teammates do away from the field to build team unity?

To build team unity, we usually plan to spend time together off the field where we can focus on getting to know each other as friends differently than teammates. This usually consists of casual team meals or hangouts. For example, this preseason we did a lot of team building activities that consisted of puzzle making, group date nights across Worcester, and trivia/movie nights. This upcoming Friday, we have another movie night that is themed for the upcoming fall months where we’ll exchange candies and notes with each other.

You have had a standout season so far, starting six games, recording a total of 22 saves and earning four consecutive shutouts. What has contributed to your success?

As anyone knows, a team is made up of many–mine is made up of 32. As a part of a team of 32, my success is not individual, but rather it is made up of a collective effort of every single player that has shown up day after day to work hard and compete. I also credit my solid back line that have made it easy to shutout the past few games. My shutouts are only possible because I have such a strong defense in front of me.

You have been selected as the Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week two times this season as well as the Hilton Garden Inn Crusader of the Week, what do these honors mean to you?

I feel honored to have received these accolades so early in my time at Holy Cross. These honors, to me, are indicative of my hard work and efforts that I have made to get to the next level of playing Division I soccer. Additionally, I believe they demonstrate my ability to join and compete within this program and the Patriot League. I am especially proud to have been selected as the Crusader of the Week because I feel that it proves that the efforts I have made and continue to make meet the standards of such a renowned college athletic department. Having been selected among my peers who are star athletes in their sports only makes me want to continue to compete for the college and for the Holy Cross women’s soccer program.

What are you majoring in, what made you choose that field and what would you like to do after your soccer career comes to a close?

I am majoring in Biology. I was always fascinated with my orthopedic doctors growing up which inspired me to set my next academic goal of attending medical school and becoming an orthopedic doctor myself. After graduating from Holy Cross, I want to take a gap year of service while studying for the next steps of my academic journey and ultimately my career.

To close things out, we’ll have you answer a few quick non-soccer questions.

Who is your favorite musician?
Jack Harlow

What is your all-time favorite food?
My mom’s homemade pozole

What is your spirit animal?
Panda

What is a phrase you live by?
If I can't find a way, I'll make one

What is your go-to karaoke song?
Defying Gravity from “Wicked”

Who is your favorite athlete of all-time?
Manny Macado

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