1. What has been the key to your great start? We have 13 freshman on a 26 player roster so the first goal we set as a team was to see how quickly we could gel together and come together as a "TEAM". Our team chemistry and team spirit has been great and I know that has played a part in all of our wins thus far. I also think the team returned to LMU in pretty good condition and our fitness is something we are still very focused on at this time and will continue to keep it a priority throughout the season. We have definitely been the fittest team on the field for each of our 3 games thus far.
2. Is this the year that LMU women's soccer team makes the NCAA Tournament?
The NCAA tournament is definitely one of our team goals but not something we are focusing on at this time. We are working hard to improve every day, whether that be in training or in a game, and if we can accomplish that then the end result will take care of itself.
3. What is the main thing you guys need to improve upon?
Defensively I think we are fairly solid but we are playing from a different system of play this year, so we are still learning some of the details of that new system. As I said earlier we have 13 new players to our team this fall so it will take a bit of time for everyone to learn each other's ideas and habits on the field, especially on the offensive side of the game. So we will spend a lot of time in our training on attacking topics while making sure to address the defensive needs of our team.
4. Playing in such a tough conference, what will be the keys for Loyola Marymount to succeed?
We have had quite a few injuries and we are only just beginning to get healthy. These injuries have definitely delayed our progress and growth as a team, especially as a young team. So remaining injury free will be very important for us to do well in the WCC. Our non conference schedule is very demanding and if we can perform in those games and grow as a team because of them, that will also help us in our chances to be successful in the WCC. Most importantly in conference play is to be very solid defensively and to take advantage of the chances we create for ourselves offensively. So far we have been able to do just that and hopefully this is something we will constantly improve upon over the next month.
5. Having played a couple of games, is there anyone on the team who has performed beyond your expectations?
It would be very difficult to single out one player who has performed beyond our expectations. We knew coming into this year we had a very solid returning group and a very solid freshman class. All of them have contributed in one way or another to our start. We do have one freshman worth mentioning only because we recruited her because of her "up-side", her potential. Her name is Jessica Hanson and she has not only proven she truly has great potential but has been able to show how special she will be much earlier than we expected she would. She has played with tremendous composure and gets better and better every time she steps onto the field.
6. I saw that your recruiting class was ranked the best in the WCC. How have they fared so far and what do you expect out of them?
As coaches we knew coming into this season that in order for us to do well, our freshman must help us to do well. We are very happy with the freshman class we have put together but our biggest concern before the start of the season was how quickly could our freshman become acclimated to the division I game. So far our freshman have been very solid. They are all working very hard and getting better every day. I mentioned injuries earlier and unfortunately most of the injuries have been with our freshman. They have all performed very well thus far but have also done so carrying some sort of injury with them into all of our games. Fortunately they are all getting back to 100% and so I am looking forward to seeing what they will bring to the game injury free.