SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – To say that the beginning of her USF career didn't go according to plan for junior defender Samantha Curwood-Wagner would be an understatement. The Redondo Beach native spent the entirety of her soccer career playing forward, but once she arrived on the Hilltop the path to playing time was narrow for a striker.
 
"Sam came in as a forward in 2018 and when we arguably had the best strikers in USF history," assistant coach Pinder Nijjar explained.
 
Instead of being discouraged by limited  playing time, Curwood-Wagner decided to make hard work her staple that would set her apart  and catch the eye of her head coach.
 
"After the second year I said she'd make a hell of a right back," head coach Jim Millinder said. "She's so athletic, can get up-and-down the park and in the attack she doesn't have to be the focal point but she can join in the attack and get forward."
 
Though initially hesitant, Curwood-Wagner listened to what her coaches had to say and gave her new position her all. Just as she had from the minute she stepped on campus.
 
"I had never played defense in my 15 years of playing soccer," Curwood-Wagner explained. "I've always had that attacking mindset and I've never been one to see myself as standing back from the attack."
 
"I think Sam embodies selflessness to a tee," assistant coach Halle Bissin said. "She's one of those players that you don't notice for a good reason because she's doing all the right things on and off the field.
 
Part of what made Curwood-Wagner into the great defender she is was the work ethic she cultivated throughout her college career in the weight room. Her desire to give the best effort no matter what has fueled her success on the pitch.
 
"I want to be known as someone who can be the rock in the back and hold the defensive line but also someone who can go forward and initiate attacks to help my team to victory," Curwood-Wagner said.
 
Episode of 3 of Season Eight of Behind the Mask can be seen on Thursday, Dec. 2 on NBC Sports California at 7:30 p.m. PT.
 
To view the full feature, please click here.
 
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