Four Lessons From 4 LEC Championships

March 23, 2026 | by Bridgette Toland
 

As my senior year at the University of Southern Maine wraps up, I'm reflecting on one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience: four straight Little East Conference (LEC) championships with our women's soccer team — something that had never been done in program history.

Being part of a team that won four conference championships is something I'll always be proud of, but what matters most to me is the legacy we're leaving behind. Four championships didn't happen because of one player or one moment, they happened because of a culture built on trust, selflessness, and showing up for one another every single day. USM taught me that you don't have to be the best player on the field to make a lasting impact on a team. Impact can look like leadership, energy, encouragement, and making others feel valued. 

Four titles. Four NCAA tournament appearances. Countless memories. From the outside, it looked like dominance. On the inside, it was growth, adversity, and a whole lot of heart. Here are four lessons I learned from four Little East Conference championships.
 

1. Culture wins before talent does

Our first LEC title wasn't about star players or stat sheets. It was about belief. We weren't chasing history yet — we were just trying to prove we belonged at the top of the conference. As a freshman I was very new to college soccer, a lot was different and even more so challenging. It was my very first time playing at the collegiate level and with a completely new set of girls. I had no idea what to expect.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE