Last year, she finished third in the NCAA in assists per game. She tied for first in the NCAA with seven assists in one game — against Connecticut — and she even holds the SU record for career assists. But Kim Wayne’s not bragging.

Humble and unassuming on the outside, but hard-working and brilliantly competitive on the inside, Wayne is turning herself into a goal-scorer. She’s made a name for herself as a smart, unselfish midfielder, and now she’s proving that she’s much more than just a passer.

‘She loves to pass the ball,’ Syracuse head coach Lisa Miller said. ‘Everyone knows it. Her teammates know it, and they love playing with her.’

‘My coach has realized that I’m at my best when I’m going to the goal,’ Wayne said. ‘I’ve tried to work on that by going to the cage a lot more and getting the assist that way.’

As the 5-foot-11 senior hones her net-crashing skills, Miller said, the extra offensive aggression will help her score more often and boost her staggering assist numbers. She tallied 60 assists in her first three years, averaging 2.1 last year.

Wayne’s passion for the assist stems from her reserved persona. Adding this new, assertive facet to her game is a significant departure from her old style. But underneath her modesty lays a competitor.

‘Kim is a little reserved sometimes,” SU attacker Erin MacDonald said, “so people don’t realize how competitive she is.’

Said Wayne’s former roommate, Cristine Doran: ‘Kim is one of the most competitive people I’ve ever met, which gives her a great edge on the field. She’s just got a great feel for the game.’

As Wayne prepares SU’s freshmen for the season, the clash between her quiet personality and her vicious competitive drive becomes more apparent.

‘She spends a lot of time teaching them the game, but she’s not easy on them,’ Miller said. ‘So if she’s marked up against them, she’s going to take the ball away from them. If she has the ball, she’s going to take advantage.’

In her final season at Syracuse, there’s little doubt that Wayne will accomplish her goal and fully unleash her untapped offensive potential. And there’s even less doubt that she’ll impress her coaches, her teammates and even her harshest critic — herself.

‘She’s gifted. She’s a great athlete,’ Miller said. ‘There’s no reason for her not to be able to do it, and I think she’s gaining confidence every day.’

Published on February 24, 2003 at 12:00 pm