Andrea Carpenter and Brie Buschman have chemistry together, and not only at 9:30 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. These Wildcat soccer seniors have been teammates at ACU for the past four seasons, but their history extends well past the beginning of their collegiate careers.
Carpenter and Buschman grew up together in Amarillo, and have known each other since the age of five. Since then, the two best friends have spent countless hours together, both on and off the soccer pitch, improving their game and their friendship.
While in high school in Amarillo, Buschman assisted on Carpenter’s 100th career high school goal, a significant milestone in the soccer world.
But because the feat was accomplished by her best friend, it meant a whole lot more to Buschman. “I remember her scoring and sprinting to her for a huge embrace!”
Carpenter’s favorite memories from her pre-collegiate days involve the weekly six-hour roadtrips to Dallas for club team practices alongside Buschman.
“There are too many funny and good memories to count,” Carpenter said. “We did everything to make those trips fun.”
As close as the two ladies were in high school, they nearly missed out on the opportunity to play together at ACU.
“We actually made an agreement to decide on a university separately, and if we got the opportunity to go to the same college, we would of course be happy,” says Buschman.
Both girls had official visits to ACU, but without any confiding in the other throughout the process, the two managed to end up choosing the same university. ACU is glad they did.
“Of course we were ecstatic,” Buschman said.
On the pitch, Carpenter and Buschman play on opposite ends of the field. Carpenter is a forward while Buschman plays defense.
Each girl has grown to admire the different aspects of each other’s game.
“First of all, she plays defense, which is something I could never do,” Carpenter said. “You always know that [Brie] is in control and able to settle things down from her end.”
Buschman, on the other hand, enjoys watching Carpenter “refute the stereotype of a typical forward. [Forwards] are often known for being fast and quick, but often lazy players. Andrea is extremely consistent with the amount of hard work she puts into her game.”
With only four games remaining in their collegiate careers, Carpenter and Buschman are cherishing every moment spent together and with the team.
Whether it’s a rainy day practice or a long bus trip, the ladies are looking to enjoy every minute of the rest of their season. Being able to do that with their best friend beside them makes it pretty easy.
Andrea Carpenter runs past a couple of defenders this season at the ACU soccer pitch. Carpenter has over 100 career points.
