Mathilde Braithwaite finding her place in the starting lineup

Since leaving Denmark to come to Long Island and join the Hofstra University women’s soccer team, it’s hasn’t all been smooth sailing for junior Mathilde Braithwaite. In her first two seasons with the Pride, the forward sporadically registered minutes on the pitch. Braithwaite was set on being a starter entering her third year.

“It was a goal for me,” she said. “I set for myself that I wanted to be starting when we came back.” 

A setback at the beginning of her third year was tough for the junior. However, an early-season opportunity arose. When Hofstra traveled to Teaneck, New Jersey, to take on the Fairleigh Dickinson University Knights, sophomore Margaret Peterson was forced off the field due to injury 15 minutes into the match – enter Braithwaite.

“When [Peterson] went down, I didn’t actually see it happen because it was out of play. Then I just heard my name being called to warm up,” Braithwaite said. “I wasn’t really ready to go on the field. I was nervous; it was early in the game [and] I hadn’t really played that many minutes yet.”

Braithwaite was suddenly a starter for the Pride and continued starting all remaining regular season games.

“It’s very different,” she explained. “You’re used to being on the bench, but actually being on the field, you feel like you’re contributing more to the team.”

Braithwaite also acknowledges her teammate Peterson, whose torn ACL and meniscus ended up being  season-ending, leaving way for Braithwaite to step up. 

“I feel very sad for Maggie; I feel like I’m playing for her as well,” Braithwaite said.

Though Braithwaite was put into the limelight quickly and unexpectedly, she was ready for the opportunity due to her preparation during the offseason.

“I stayed here [at Hofstra] over the summer to prepare myself the best I could,” Braithwaite said. “I wasn’t starting in the first few games, but it kept me motivated to prove that I could be playing in the starting position.”

Last season, Braithwaite played in 14 games, coming off the bench in all games. But she acknowledged the importance of supporting her teammates and being attentive, even when not starting. 

“Being on the bench and cheering for your teammates is really, really important,” Braithwaite said. “I’ve always listened because there is always opportunity for you to go on the field when you aren’t starting.”

Then after two years, on Sept. 3, Braithwaite achieved a personal goal and made her first start for the Pride.

“It was crazy. I set that goal for myself, but to actually see my name in the starting lineup, doing the warmup that the starters do because we do separate warmups – I mean, I was just smiling,” Braithwaite said. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is what I have been fighting for.’ It was a great feeling.”

Braithwaite also recognizes that there are major differences between being a starter and being a backup and does not take her opportunity for granted.

“You have so much more responsibility, so even if it’s what I eat in the day, or who we’re playing, it’s about preparation,” she said. “I’m taking care of my body in a different way than last year; I’m doing my best to pay more attention.”

Along with becoming a starter and the changes that come with that as a player, it can be difficult to deal with the pressure. Having support from all around is important, and Braithwaite said her team is incredibly supportive of each other.

“My team is very supportive. They’re either telling me I’m doing a good job or seeing the work I’ve been putting in, really pushing me on. Everyone’s got tips and tricks; the whole team is so supportive,” Braithwaite said. 

Braithwaite was also very open about her ever-evolving relationship with Hofstra head coach Simon Riddiough. 

“It’s definitely become better, I know [Riddiough] last year didn’t expect me to be a starting player for sure, and that motivated me to say ‘I really need to step up this year,’” Braithwaite explained. “We’ve gotten a better relationship in the sense that I am stepping up to the expectations that he has for me.”

Stepping into a teammate’s spot is difficult, but Braithwaite has not let the pressure of the opportunity affect her. 

“Obviously there is the pressure that I need to do well, but at the end of the day, it’s just, go out there and do what I’m good at,” Braithwaite said.

Playing on her preferred right wing has been a key for her good form, allowing her to use her speed to her advantage.

“I’m right-footed, but I really like it because I get these one-on-one situations a lot and that’s what I’m really good at, because most time I am faster than the left back that is up against me,” Braithwaite explained. “It’s definitely my strength, so I think the right wing really fits me well – either slotting in some passes or shooting when I get the opportunity.”

Since coming into the team, Braithwaite has proved she deserves that starting right wing position. In her 13 starts this season, she has provided four assists while also scoring twice. 

“My confidence level is through the roof now; I was very nervous in my first games, and I think you could tell,” she said. “Now I have that confidence, and I’m ready to go from minute one.”

The winger looks to continue her fine form into next season after a tough 2-1 loss to Monmouth University Hawks in the Costal Athletic Association semifinals, ending the Pride’s 2023 season. 

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Jim Agnew