Editor’s Note: The following story is part of a series highlighting the members of the 2024 Washington State Athletic Hall of Fame Class. The Hall of Fame induction will take place, Sept. 6-7, at the Washington State University campus.
What was Matt Potter’s reaction to Micaela Castain’s first game in a Cougar unform?
“Not too soon!” Potter, head coach of the Cougar soccer program from 2004 to 2011, said, laughing, “We’re trying to keep you quiet. Let’s not draw too much attention, too soon!
Just four minutes into an exhibition game against the University of Idaho, Castain, making a rare start for a freshman, shot a penalty kick into the back of the net.
Castain ended the game with three goals, the coveted hat trick. Although it wouldn’t count in official stats, it served notice of the onset of a Hall of Fame career.
“It signaled her intent as a winner,” Potter said. “Here we go. Hold on tight.”
“I was so excited to be there and starting,” Castain said. “I just wanted to go out and show the team and my coaches that I can play at that level.”
During the next four years, Castain did show her team, coaches, and Cougars that not only could she play at a Division I level, but she could also play at a Hall of Fame level.
“The mark of anybody in life is can you leave it in a better place than you found it,” Potter said.
When Castain arrived at WSU in 2010, she joined a Cougar Soccer program that had built a solid foundation, having advanced to the NCAA Tournament four times in the past decade, including the past two seasons.
“What I remember is how great a family they were,” Potter recalled of recruiting Castain. “She was brought up with good core values, humility, work ethic, well mannered.
“That’s what makes Washington State great, those types of people because they recognize the opportunity of Washington State, not the limitation,” Potter added. “All those qualities are what makes great Cougs.”
Castain played in all 20 matches as a freshman, starting 19, and led the team with eight goals, including three game-winners.
Castain was poised to build on her freshman campaign, but a knee injury derailed her year, missing the final nine matches of the regular season. Despite that, the Cougars advanced to the NCAA Tournament, and Castain did return for the Cougars’ second round match.
Potter departed the program for Oklahoma after the 2011 season and, with a…
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