On Nov. 2—women’s soccer Senior Day—history was made. Posting seven shots, senior forward Anna Lantz scored a hat trick to break the school record with 50 career goals.
Lantz not only surpassed the career record but also tied the single-season scoring record with 17 goals.
Her first goal came in the ninth minute, blasting a penalty kick into the bottom corner to tie the previous career mark held by Taylor Skala.
“I was excited and a little nervous because I knew that if I scored, it would be my 48th goal, which was the record,” Lantz said. “I just tried to stay composed and focus on placing the ball into the corner. When it went in, it was such a great feeling and an awesome moment to share and celebrate with my teammates.”
Lantz broke the record with her second goal in the 18th minute off an assist from junior Quinn Conroy. The momentum continued as she netted her third and final goal in the 29th minute.
Heading into the weekend, Lantz was well aware of the pressure and the opportunity ahead.
“Going into our final weekend of games, I was two goals away from the record with 46,” Lantz said. “After scoring the PK against S&T on Friday night, I was just one goal away.
“Being that close, I was hopeful that I could tie or beat the record on Senior Day, which was also our last home game. I wanted to at least tie the record, but I was so happy to exceed my goal by getting a hat trick, which helped me surpass it.”
Lantz is no rookie when it comes to accomplishments. She has collected numerous honors throughout her collegiate career.
As a freshman in 2022, Lantz was named GLVC Freshman of the Year, leading the team with nine goals and 21 points.
She has earned First Team All-Conference every year and has been named Academic All-American, Offensive Player of the Year and GLVC Women’s Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
On Nov. 9, the Hawks’ season—and Lantz’s historic run—came to an end in a 1–0 loss to No. 3 seed Maryville in the GLVC Tournament quarterfinals.
Reflecting on her career, Lantz said she hopes to leave behind a strong legacy and some advice for the athletes who follow.
“Always work hard and don’t forget to enjoy every moment, because it goes by quicker than you think.”
