Dallas native Savanah Finley has stepped confidently into the starting goalkeeper role for The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), already earning recognition in Conference USA (C-USA) during her freshman season.
Finley has made an immediate impact for the Miners, starting all nine matches and logging 1,170 minutes in goal. She has recorded 44 saves and four shutouts, a strong showing for a first-year player adjusting to the pace of college soccer.
Her poise and consistency have quickly made hera reliable presence on the back line earning her C-USA Goalkeeper of the Week honors on Sept. 9 after a standout away game. The highlight was a 1-0 victory over Boise State, the defending Mountain West champion, in which she made five crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
For Finley, UTEP was always close to home. Raised in Dallas, Finley followed in the footsteps of both her parents, who wore Miner orange. The chance to continue that family tradition was hard to pass up.
“My parents both went here. My dad played sports here … I’ve always grown up knowing UTEP,” Finley said.
The decision to attend UTEP was solidified after Miner coaches reached out to her following a showcase event.
“I love UTEP, [I’m] in love with El Paso and the atmosphere of the team was great when I came on a visit,” Finley said.
Finley’s path to goalkeeping began when she was 10 years old, marking the start of her journey in net.
“I just started growing higher than anyone else, and my brother was a goalkeeper. He inspired me a lot,” Finley said.
Even in her first season, Finley has taken on leadership responsibilities. From the goal area, she directs the back line, calls out assignments on set pieces and makes sure defenders stay organized. As the last line of defense, she views communication as essential.
“Communication on the field is super important,” Finley said. “I would like to see myself as a leader on the field.”
Her Boise State performance remains a signature moment of her early career.
“I had to be on my toes the whole game,” Finley said. “It was such a competitive game … my defense did a great job, especially in the second half, keeping them out of the dangerous areas.”
Finley has completed four shutouts in eight games, while UTEP freshman goalkeeper Emily Parrott completed the same amount in 12 games in 2019.
Finley has faced some challenging matches including a 4-1 loss against Arizona State. This setback served as a reminder for Finley of the work still ahead of her.
“It grounds me back to why I’m here,” Finley said. “It shows that we have more to give.”
Finley contributes to the Miners’ chance of their first C-USA tournament berth in three years. She is determined to play a central role in that push and has long-term goals as well.
“I want to be a leader here,” Finley said. “Hopefully, in my later years, be a captain and lead the team, and grow the culture that has been built in the last three years.”
With her combination of athleticism, composure and dedication, Finley positions herself to make her mark and become the leader she strives to be in the UTEP soccer program.
Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a contributor for The Prospector. He may be reached at [email protected] and social media @adrian_gonzalez.jr
