Woodbridge, and soccer, may be just a stopover to bigger things for Lane

The vibe of the city itself intrigues Brittany Lane. With its elaborate history and multi-cultural diver-sity, Washington offers just about everything an international relations major could hope to dis-cover about the world she wants to explore one day.

This is Lane's first summer away from her hometown of Houston and the experience of living on her own as an intern for a non-profit organization that specializes in working overseas has been exhilarating.

"I decided to try that out this summer and get some experience," the Northern Vir-ginia Majestics midfielder said. "I think that's something I'd like to do so I was lucky. I definitely want to live abroad for a while, maybe in a few different places."

At 20, the College of William & Mary junior is taking her first real life steps toward a career that could one day carry her to the far away lands she's studied and dreamed about -- perhaps Germany or even Spain.

"We've always traveled in my family so I've been raised to be independent, I guess," Lane said. "It's easy for me to adjust to different places."

And that includes the W-League, where she has quickly become a familiar and popular member of a young Majestics' squad that has visions of contending for an Atlantic Division title next season.

"She's so good that sometimes you take it for granted," said forward Anna Kayes, a William & Mary teammate who is also in her first year with the Majestics.

"Brittany's a huge asset to our team. She's got one of the quickest touches and she's good at slide tackling. She may not look imposing, but she's a good player because she does all the background work and keeps everybody moving."

Lane stands 5 foot 4 yet she rarely gets out-maneuvered on the soccer field. Even when she's matched up against taller players, she somehow finds a strategic advantage that will benefit her teammates.

"She brings a physicality that really helps us out. She's very consistent from one game to the next," Majestics coach Jac Cicala said. "She's tactically very intelligent. She doesn't make too many mental mistakes."

Before earning a scholarship to William & Mary, Lane was a two-time member of the South Texas Olympic Development Program squad. She also served as a captain for the prestigious Challenge Soccer Club, leading her teams to six state titles and a U.S. Youth Soccer Region III Champion-ship.

"I was very lucky to grow up in a city that has one of the best clubs. My U19 year we made it to nationals, which was a great cap to that experience," she said. "Having that strong foundation, I think, really shaped my play."

Her work in the classroom helped as well.

Lane, who carries a 4.0 grade point average at William & Mary, served as president of the na-tional honor society at Memorial High School and graduated as the Class of 2007 valedicto-rian.

"That's an important part of who I am," she said.

So is soccer.

Lane started all 23 games for William & Mary last fall and was second in minutes played as the Tribe went 15-7-1, earned a No. 30 national ranking and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

"For what I was looking for, it's hard to find a better match anywhere. It really worked out for me," she said. "We have a pretty rich reputation."

Lane wanted a college experience that could take her places she's never been before. The Majestics have afforded her a similar opportunity this summer.

"I love being in the midfield and having the freedom to roam a little bit," she said. "I can't say whether I like to defend or attack more, so I guess it's the perfect position."

In soccer, as in life, she seems to prefer the independence that comes with thinking on her feet.

"I strive to be as versatile as possible and be able to adapt," Lane said. "Hopefully, that will keep my options open."