Spring Break
Women's soccer welcomes 18 recruits to Hilltop
Nicole Jacobsen, Opinion Editor, njacobse@smu.edu
Issue date: 7/1/08 Section: Sports
Wrapping up the season at just 9-7-1 overall was not the Mustangs' game plan in the 2007-08 season. Setting expectations at nothing short of a Conference USA title, the women's soccer team came up short after sinking to a five-game drought in the middle of conference play to put them in the middle of C-USA rankings.
With 18 recruits for the approaching 2008 season, the team welcomes its largest recruiting class in the program's history. SMU also ranked 75th out of 100 in the soccerbuzz.com 2008 Top Recruiting Classes list.
Now, with a season opener against nationally ranked Oklahoma State in August followed by face-offs against NCAA semi-finalist Notre Dame and reigning NCAA champion Southern California, the Mustangs are relying heavily on the fresh, young talent of the new recruits to carry the Mustangs to the championship they continue to strive for.
Head Coach Brent Erwin's first recruiting class was finalized and announced June 24. The final additions to the new roster include two goalkeepers, five defenders, eight midfielders and three forwards.
"We needed new players, we needed good players and we needed players that have the characteristics that I like," explained Erwin. Combine this fresh talent with the experience of last year's team, and Erwin is convinced that the approaching season will be great.
So what makes these 18 athletes stand out among the countless other candidates?
"My number one thing that I always look for is angry competitors," said Erwin. "I look for people who like to compete. I like players who are competitive, I like players who are fast, and I like players who have some sort of physical tag, whether they are tall or strong."
With over half of the team made up of freshmen, Erwin admits there are some setbacks, but feels confidant in the team's ability to overcome the expected apprehensions.
"There's going to be growing pains, but that's natural, and I think it's the first step in making us great again," explained Erwin. "We're fortunate because the way our season works out this year we have a long preseason, so that gives us time to work together. It's just something that takes time."
With 18 recruits for the approaching 2008 season, the team welcomes its largest recruiting class in the program's history. SMU also ranked 75th out of 100 in the soccerbuzz.com 2008 Top Recruiting Classes list.
Now, with a season opener against nationally ranked Oklahoma State in August followed by face-offs against NCAA semi-finalist Notre Dame and reigning NCAA champion Southern California, the Mustangs are relying heavily on the fresh, young talent of the new recruits to carry the Mustangs to the championship they continue to strive for.
Head Coach Brent Erwin's first recruiting class was finalized and announced June 24. The final additions to the new roster include two goalkeepers, five defenders, eight midfielders and three forwards.
"We needed new players, we needed good players and we needed players that have the characteristics that I like," explained Erwin. Combine this fresh talent with the experience of last year's team, and Erwin is convinced that the approaching season will be great.
So what makes these 18 athletes stand out among the countless other candidates?
"My number one thing that I always look for is angry competitors," said Erwin. "I look for people who like to compete. I like players who are competitive, I like players who are fast, and I like players who have some sort of physical tag, whether they are tall or strong."
With over half of the team made up of freshmen, Erwin admits there are some setbacks, but feels confidant in the team's ability to overcome the expected apprehensions.
"There's going to be growing pains, but that's natural, and I think it's the first step in making us great again," explained Erwin. "We're fortunate because the way our season works out this year we have a long preseason, so that gives us time to work together. It's just something that takes time."
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