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MARTIN, Tenn.- The University of Tennessee at Martin soccer team begins its second year under head coach Mike Varga on Thursday, Aug. 15 at North Alabama.
Varga looks to build on last season, where the Skyhawks punched their ticket to the Ohio Valley Conference Soccer Championships for the seventh straight year.
It’ll be a bit of a smoother start compared to 2023 where Varga was introduced as head coach on June 5, just a little over two months before the start of the season.
“Last year was definitely a get-to-know-you phase from preseason,” Varga said. “This year, especially the returners, I already know what they bring to the program and how to best utilize their talents and then it’s a matter of blending the new players in and fine-tuning what the best starting lineup is and who plays best with each other. I think we’re further along this year than last year even though I felt last year we moved pretty fast.”
Nine returning starters highlight 16 student-athletes who saw playing time in 2023. Makayla Robinson (three-time All-OVC honoree), Izzy Patterson (two-time All-OVC first team and 2024 OVC Player to Watch), Shayla Addington (second on the team with 1,698 minutes last fall), Allie Buchmann (nine 90-minute performances in 2023), Brooke Kala (14 matches started last season), Joelle Stinson (1,427 minutes as a true freshman), Abbie McHenry (26 career matches started) and Peyton Cook (2023 All-OVC Newcomer) are looking to leave their mark on the 2024 season. Additionally, 2021 OVC Freshman of the Year Parker Gelinas returns after back-to-back injury-plagued seasons.
“The returners bring in lots of confidence,” Varga said. “It’s a special group of players. When I stepped into the program, I knew they were good soccer players but I found they are much more than that – they are great human beings. Last year they didn’t know what to expect out of me and I didn’t know what to expect out of them. There were a lot of questions and I think this year they know that I have a lot of trust in them and there is the ability to play with confidence and also the understanding that they have the talent with the team we have here to be very successful.”
UT Martin welcomes in 10 newcomers to campus, including transfers Molly Corgan (Coastal Carolina), Mac Titus (North Texas), Blanca Negrete (Long Beach State) and Lorena Montesano (UNC Greensboro). Six freshmen are set to make their collegiate debuts this fall as Daksha Sutharshan and Rachel Valenzuela join international standouts Anna Østergaard Ibsen (Denmark), Unni Wolf (Sweden), Alberte Amby (Denmark) and Ava Huntrods (England).
“This group of newcomers is very thoughtful and helpful and has every aspect of what it takes to be comfortable in a new setting,” Varga said. “The team has blended well and has common goals for success on a daily basis. We have a long way to go but it’s been a good start.”
Those 10 newcomers will get acclimated to Division I soccer but are projected to make an early contribution on this year’s campaign.
“When you bring in players, they’re used to physical styles but it’s just a different level of play,” Varga said. “Our internationals and freshmen have come in and adjusted well. They got good experience in our exhibition matches on how the game is played on this level. They have the attributes to be successful.”
Up top at the forward position, the Skyhawks will use the athleticism they possess with Nyeemah Prescod-Beckles, Robinson, Caroline Moore, Valenzuela, Amby and Cook.
“They bring pace and beat defenders one-on-one,” Varga said. “They’re accurate with their servers and can create chances on their own.”
In the midfield, Maren Cain, Ella Rucka, Ayja McCleary, Kala, Negrete, Montesano, Buchmann, Patterson, McHenry and Wolf aim to create and capitalize on chances this year.
“Our midfielders will be able to play off the attacking three and get in on some chances,” Varga said.
Coming off a season which included four shutouts in conference play, the defense has gotten even stronger with added experience. Gretchen Marek, Joelle Stinson, Gelinas, Ibsen, Addington and Huntrods compose the backline.
“This group brings a physical presence to the field and will help make up a strong defense,” Varga said.
At goalkeeper, returning sophomore Jordyn Riffle, Titus and Corgan provide serious depth between the posts.
“All three of the goalkeepers will push each other to get better each and every day,” Varga said.
Every team has a desire to win a conference title and achieve a berth in the NCAA Tournament. While UT Martin has the same mindset, it will continue to focus on maximizing its daily goals.
“Outcome goals are great, they’re judged at the end,” Varga said. “But we’re setting process goals. Self-reflecting on goals every single day, did what I do today help me with getting to that end result or do I need to change something? We’re focusing on getting better every day, not solely focusing on an OVC title. The mission is accomplishing our day-to-day goals and match goals.”
Source link : https://utmsports.com/news/2024/8/12/soccer-skyhawk-soccers-confidence-looks-to-fuel-2024-season.aspx
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Publish date : 2024-08-13 03:14:00
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