Aug. 5, 2010

Kicking-Off:

The fall 2010 season has finally arrived and for the next four months sixteen returning players and eight new freshmen will be living and breathing soccer.

So far, 2010 has been a great year for sports; back in February we were able to watch 25,058 Olympians compete in the 2010 Winter Olympics. It was exhilarating to watch these athletes risk everything for success.

This summer our team was also able to watch the U.S. Women's soccer team train and lift weights right here on campus.

Most of our team was also able to make it out to their game where they beat Germany. But, even more importantly, the world of soccer has just been buzzing from the World Cup, which just recently finished in South Africa. With the opportunity to watch the best players in the world, I just can't wait to start our season.

The World Cup reminded me that even when there might be a favorite, anything and everything can happen on game day.

So with all of this inspiration and excitement around sports here are a few things I am looking forward to in our 2010 season:

• Preseason: Fitness testing in 90̊̊ degree weather, two-a-days, lifting, team dinners, and nap time (while this is often the most painful time of the season, it truly pushes us to our limits).

• Getting to know the freshmen and bonding as a team.

• Competing in what is arguably our most challenging schedule in program history.

• Traveling to Seattle. For five of us players who come from the west coast, this will mean a chance to play in front of a family and friends.

• Having a winning season.

• Starting this week our team will begin our journey together towards winning the Horizon League championship.

Check back for updates all fall.

Marley