Senior defender Rachel Blum has started every match for Syracuse (6-8-1, 2-6-1 Atlantic Coast) since her freshman season — 66 games and counting.

Blum has been an anchor for the Orange’s defense since the 2010 campaign, and has seen the counterattack shape and evolve throughout her career.

“Every year we’ve been building up to the team we have today,” Blum said. “The new players we’ve brought in have adapted and we’ve been on the incline ever since my freshman year.”

Blum has been a staple of the Syracuse back four for more than three seasons now. Originally coming in as a midfielder, she was asked by head coach Phil Wheddon to become a full-time defensive player.

Blum took on the challenging transition and emerged very quickly as a cornerstone for the Syracuse defense. She is respected by her teammates and coaches, and as a captain in her senior season, is expected to be a vocal leader on and off the field.

Freshman defender Maddie Iozzi is the newcomer on the back line, and already attests to the exemplary play and leadership Blum has exhibited this season.

“She’s saved our butts a lot. We’re always willing to step up because we know she’s going to be there behind us,” Iozzi said. “She’s that player in the back that we can rely on and know she’ll always be there.”

Analyzing the field and anticipating plays has never been more important for Syracuse than now, as it goes toe-to-toe with nationally-ranked teams on a weekly basis. In addition to her overall ability, Blum has exemplified strategic, intelligent play.

“The thing with Rachel is she reads the game so well,” Wheddon said. “She puts herself in a position to be successful and is difficult to beat one-on-one.

“These are the things that have allowed her to be successful these four years.”

Blum’s presence off the field this season, as a captain and a senior, has been nearly as important to her presence on the field. Her willingness to reach out to younger and inexperienced teammates has earned her respect in the locker room.

“On and off the field Rachel has been such a great person,” Iozzi said. “She’s your inspiration and a great person to look up to.”

Blum has been a model of consistency for the Orange, and Wheddon recognized that from day one.

“The fact that she shows up everyday, we all have good days and bad days in practice,” Wheddon said. “But you never question her effort in the games or that she’s going to try to help you in every way she can.”

Blum has been grateful for her time on the field and the opportunity she has had to help carry Syracuse through its transition from the Big East to the ACC.

But the sisterly bond and time with teammates might be the most rewarding part of her collegiate career.

Said Blum: “I just want my teammates to say when they think about who I was as a player that I always tried to be a good leader and teammate.”

Published on October 15, 2013 at 11:42 pm

Contact Connor: cgrossma@syr.edu | @connorgrossman