Makinen was the perfect fit for replacing national player of the year Cindy Daws at central midfielder and she played a major role in the Irish reaching the '97 NCAA semifinals and the '99 title game. Another run at the title remains the goal for 2000. I don't want to win by being lucky, instead of by playing well and playing as a team. Makinen is viewed by college soccer insiders as having a strong chance to follow Daws as Notre Dame's second national player of the year. But she's having nothing of it.
Soccer is a team sport.
Makinen's Notre Dame experience differs on many levels when compared to the average student. While many of her classmates were busy applying face paint in preparation for the season-opening football game, Makinen was relaxing in her room. She likes Notre Dame and appreciates what it's done for her, but she has a reserved personality. The quality of her relationships are important to Anne, not the quantity. As Makinen looks ahead to life after Notre Dame with a possible playing career in the developing U.S. pro league or in Europe she has the maturity to recognize that it's almost time to turn the page.