The Student-Athlete of the Week allows fans to learn more about the outstanding student-athletes who represent St. Bonaventure University. This week's edition features senior Lisa Eberhart, a goalkeeper from Rochester, N.Y. The soft-spoken Eberhart, who is now in her third season as the Bonnies' starting keeper, has emerged as a leader for a fairly young team under first-year coach Manoj Khettry.

How did you get involved with soccer? What are some of your earliest memories of playing the game?

I started playing when I was about five years old with my family. I just stuck with it and moved up as I got older. I have three brothers ... I come from a pretty athletic family. We were always competing but my brothers were never into soccer like I was.

What was it about the game of soccer that made you stick with it?

It was just fun. I also think I might have excelled a little more than some people. I used to play forward, but when I was about 12 or 13 my coach moved me to goalie. I was fooling around in the goal before a game and he asked me if I wanted to try it. I played it for a couple games and it eventually became my position.

Would you say it was a little bit of luck that you turned out as a goalkeeper?

Yeah. I wasn't afraid of the ball ... it just happened. I've had some training since then.

What type of training did you get in order to help you develop your skills?

When I first started playing I had a coach that helped get me off my feet. Then I moved to a different club which is now called Rochester Junior Rhinos. They had special practices for all the goalkeepers in the program every Sunday morning. We learned a lot of technique from how to catch the ball to footwork.

When did you realize that you wanted to play Division I soccer?

Well, I always wanted to play soccer in college. At the time it was either soccer or basketball. I love to play and compete, and I knew I wanted to do one of them. I just felt that I could compete at a higher level in soccer. At first, I didn't know how to go about the process of looking at schools. Jamie Schnieder, a former Bona men's soccer player, was a phys ed teacher at my high school (Spencerport) at the time. He mentioned St. Bonaventure to me and kind of helped me through the process.

Talk about your career here at Bona's. How would you describe it?

It's been an experience. I don't really know how to describe it. I think my freshman year it was the best year as far as the team goes. We were only a game away from making the Atlantic 10 tournament. It's been tough since then.

How would you describe your personal development as a keeper here at St. Bonaventure?

I feel like over the past three years I've seen a lot of what soccer was like at the college level. But even this year working with Coach Manoj I've seen an improvement with my performance. We've been working 45 minutes before each practice. I'm learning a lot and getting better.

Do you think that with the team not as good this year as it has been in the past that it puts more pressure on you and the defense to make more big plays to stay in the game?

Well, for our team everyone is going to have to go out and play 100% for every game. I don't think there will be any blowout games this year. So yes, I would say there is some pressure, but that's just the position I play.

What are the specific goals you set for yourself going into each game?

Stay focused the whole game. Communication, too. That is something that always helps.

You made a 16 saves in a 0-0 tie against Cornell. How do you feel after playing a great game like that?

That's definitely a confidence booster. As the game went on it felt like Cornell was going to need a really good shot to get it past me. We did a great job staying in the game. It was unfortunate that we didn't win the game, but we'll be going into the next game with a lot of confidence.

Let's talk about your hopes for the rest of the season. What are they for both you personally and the rest of the team?

As a senior I would really like to go out big. We were talking and we would like to make the Atlantic 10 tournament. I don't know how long its been since the program has been there. It would be great to experience it and see what that's like. For me, I just want the team to be successful and know that I played a part in getting there.

What are you looking forward to in your life off the field?

Well, I'm a sociology major and I'm on track to graduate in May. Right now I'm hoping to go to graduate school, and right now I'm looking for school counseling.

You think you'll end up coaching someday?

Yeah, it's in the back of my mind. I think it's something I'd like to do. We'll see what happens.