While Tiffany Belz was practicing her ABCs, she was also working on her soccer techniques. She had the same dream that many young girls have – the dream to play soccer in college.

Belz, a senior defender for the ISU soccer team, has already accomplished that and much more.

She was introduced to soccer at the ripe age of five by her older brother and sister. Growing up, Belz was coached by her father. She played soccer for her Ames school teams in addition to another club team, which helped create many great memories.

“My best memory would have to be in eighth grade when my Ames team won the state cup and we beat our biggest rival,” Belz said.

Belz had a long list of accomplishments before she enrolled at Iowa State.

With Belz’s help, Ames High reached the state tournament in her sophomore season. She received all-conference honorable mention in 1996 and 1998. She also played on the Iowa United club team and helped lead them to three state championships.

“Playing on the club team really helped me progress as a soccer player, because I only played for Ames High School for two years,” Belz said.

She was also selected to the Iowa Olympic Development Program state team four years.

Belz gained a lot of recognition playing for the Iowa United club team and was recruited to play at many schools but, in the end, it came down to two schools.

“It came down to here and Alabama, but I love the facilities at ISU and I really love being able to have my parents see me play on a regular basis,” Belz said.

After realizing her ambition to play collegiate soccer, Belz continued to set goals for herself.

“I set a goal to play in every game and so far I have been able to do that,” Belz said. “I feel very privileged, because I know that not a lot of people get that chance.”

Belz is in her final season while Rebecca Hornbacher is entering her first season as the interim ISU soccer coach. “She [Belz] has really helped me with the transition,” Hornbacher said.

Coming into the season, Belz knew that she would be one of the leaders of the team after starting every game for the past three seasons.

“She’s not very loud but has branched out and really stepped up,” Hornbacher said. “[She] has already had a tremendous impact to set the tone for the rest of the season.

“She’s the type of person who is more quiet and humble but shows her commitment through her actions on and off the field,” Hornbacher said.

Belz played a little at the forward position for the Cyclones early in her career, but has since solidified herself as a leader on the defensive end of the field.

“Her long ball service is the strong point of her game and it will create a lot of opportunities for our attackers,” Hornbacher said.

Belz, an advertising major, said that following her final season she has no plans to play soccer at any other level. However, she said she would like to integrate soccer or athletics into her advertising career. “This will be a good ending point, but I would love to coach someday but probably not at the college level,” Belz said.

With the help of Belz, the season and direction of the program are looking up.

“I see a lot of positive things and we have gotten off to a great start,” Hornbacher said. “I believe that we should be able to win a lot more games and become more competitive at a national level.”