Even after losing nine seniors in the off-season and facing what coach Brent Anderson called “the most challenging schedule yet,” the Wolverine soccer team is confident going into the new season.
Tough match ups against Miami (FL), Fordham, Baylor and Princeton will challenge the team throughout the season.“We have some big names on the schedule,” Anderson said. “The girls are excited about it. They know it’s going to be challenging.”
With a higher level of competition the team will need to rise to a new skill level. Anderson feels leadership on the field will be key to this year’s success. Unlike other sports where the coach is directly involved, soccer has a high need for on-field player-leadership.
“We have some big names on the schedule,” Anderson said. “The girls are excited about it. They know it’s going to be challenging.”
Losing nine players from last year’s Great West Conference champion roster doesn’t help Anderson in this area, however the team is confident with what they have. Leading the team will be three captains, senior Camille Broderick, senior Brianne Larsen, and junior Kelsey Kimball Cook.
“I think we have some really good leaders,” Anderson said. “I’m relying on them to organize the team, motivating them, getting them in the right place at the right time. I also think we have some other upper classmen that can add leadership and a spark when we need it.”
Jamie Lyons, the Wolverines’ leading scorer from 2009, will back with the team after red-shirting last year due to injury. Sophomore Lauren Sack, last year’s Great West Conference rookie of the year, will return as the goalie. Senior Kaitlyn Thomas will look to add exceptional ball movement to the team.
Even with this base of talented players, Anderson said others will need to step up and help out. This will give the team’s underclassmen players a chance to make a difference this season.
“I think we will even see some freshmen step on the field and have an impact,” Anderson said.
Full team participation is a big team strategy. Whether it’s attacking or defending, Anderson expects everyone to be involved, creating a stronger more dynamic force. A high fitness level is necessary for the strategy, making conditioning key. Strength and conditioning coach Dave Stroshine provided the team with an off-season training packet, getting the team ready for the season.
