Season #4 Should Be Best Yet

Entering year number four of varsity play, the Shawnee State Women’s Soccer Team is still looking to hit its stride.  Coming off a disappointing 3-12-1 campaign in 2002 Coach Bryan Smith expects to see a big turnaround this year.  “I think we should be able to put all the pieces together this year.  We have a very solid and experienced defense, and we have brought in some players that should help us out on offense.  We are going to rely a lot on speed and quickness.  This is by far the fastest team we’ve had in four years.” 

Shawnee State returns four starters on defense. All-American keeper Jessica Votaw is the heart of the team and key to the defense.  In two seasons she has recorded 368 saves and 7 shutouts.  Jessica Burkhart, a three-year starter and two-time All-AMC selection, returns along with Lucinda McCann and Courtney Logan.  Jen Cummins, probably the best all-around athlete on the team, will move from midfield to take over the stopper position.  “We are so fortunate to have such experience on defense,” said Smith.  “In addition to the returning players, freshmen Julie Mihalik and Amanda Plotts will also be able to step in and help out the back line right away.  This group has the talent and ability to keep us in every game.”  Redshirt freshman Courtney Beatty will backup Votaw in goal.

The Bears return just three players at the midfield and forward position, senior Marseille Markham and sophomores Ashley Brown and Kim Smith.  That may not be a bad thing as SSU scored just 18 goals all of last season.  Markham earned All-AMC honors in 2001.  Brown was Honorable Mention All-AMC last season.  “I look for freshmen Kelly Hatas, Ashley Fender, Lacey Simpson, Stacy Fennell, April Wolfe, and Beth Eichelberger all to get a bunch of minutes at midfield or forward,” said Smith.  “Even though we won’t have a lot of experience at the scoring positions, we do have a lot of talent and speed." 

“Overall, this is the most talented recruiting class we’ve had in four years,” said Smith.  “Couple that with the outstanding talent that we have back and we should be in pretty good shape.  All the players have dedicated themselves in the off-season and I fully expect them to come in and hit the ground running.  If we go out and leave everything on the field at every practice and in every match, I think this will be the year we get over the hump.” 

Shawnee State opens the season at Anderson University on August 30.  The Bears open play at home against Marietta College on September 4.  Shawnee State plays all home games at the Shawnee State University Field.