'Sader Stories: Karenna Beckstein

Junior captain Karenna Beckstein has helped lead the Holy Cross women's soccer team this season, managing not just her responsibilities as a defender but also serving as the team's second-ranked scorer. Her versatility and ability to balance roles on both sides of the field reflect not only the qualities of a great player, but also of a strong competitor and leader.

For Beckstein, success on the field starts with what's going on in her head. 

“For me, it’s about staying focused and engaged on what’s going on in the game,” she said. “My mentality is always just to win the ball, get it to people who can score, and just get things done.” 

She doesn't allow herself to cast doubt on her ability to succeed, and takes pride in her preparation. Knowing she has done her best to be ready for each game, she says, “I’ve worked hard, and everything else will come.”

It's this same mentality that helps to make her such a good leader. Beckstein will be the first to tell you that it takes the entire team to win. As a junior captain, she approaches each game thinking about what she can do to help the team succeed. 

“ If I feel like it's frantic, I talk to the team and yell out to them: it's okay to take a breath,” she said.

Beckstein helps keep the mentality and work ethic of the team in check, and in stressful situations, she repeats the message: “We’re going to win, we’re going to do this.” Her composure under pressure and consistent communication have made her a grounding presence on the field, both for the back line and the offense she helps to initiate.

Though her current role is as the anchor of the team's defense, Beckstein's shooting skills allow her to be a great surprise to her opponents. As a freshman, she was recruited to play outside back; however, she ended up playing forward in her first two seasons as a Crusader. She was then moved back to her original position this year. This versatility in positions gave her the skill to shift between both attacking and defensive mindsets — something that gives her a huge advantage in the game. 

Beckstein's past experiences playing forward now give her an advantage when it comes to making more offensive plays in her position. 

“I think as a defender, I know what I don't like to defend,” she said. “So when I go on the attack, I try to be that person to that defender. I know where to be on both sides of the field, which makes it harder for them to defend.”

This offensive awareness is what has allowed Beckstein to emerge as both a reliable defender and point scorer, a rare combination that has defined her junior season. The Massachusetts native has tallied one goal and four assists on the season for six points. She has started and played every minute of the 2025 campaign and led the Crusader defense to six shutouts.

As the Crusaders continue to work their way through the season, Beckstein has one goal in mind, both for herself and as a collective with the team.

“I really want to win the Patriot League Championship,” she said. “We have such a great group of girls, and I think we can definitely be successful this season.” 

Holy Cross will host its final game of the regular season on Wednesday, October 29, when it hosts Army at 6 pm at Linda Johnson Smith Soccer Stadium. The Crusaders are currently in a three-way tie for fifth place in the Patriot League standings with nine points. They are tied with Lafayette and Navy and this final game will determine if the Crusaders will make the postseason for the sixth time in program history.

No matter what lies ahead, Beckstein's incredible work ethic, strong mentality, and powerful leadership will guide the Crusaders through the remainder of the season.

For now, they just have to repeat the same message:

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