By: Dylan Powell, Head Sports Writer
Images provided by Elizabeth Goldstein
This season for the McKendree Women’s soccer team was not only excellent, but historical. For the first time ever, the team posted an undefeated record of 12-0-5, with a conference record of 8-0-4, earning the #2 seed in the GLVC tournament. The program is also nationally ranked at #19 by the USC DII Poll.
The GLVC Tournament begins on October 30th, when the Bearcats will take on the University of Indianapolis at home on Leemon Field. Gametime is stated to start at noon. Those of us at The Review encourage as many fans as possible to attend and cheer on our nationally ranked team as they begin a long road to a potential championship.
When asked about the playoffs and conference tournament, senior Goalkeeper Abby Tucker mentioned that focus is the most important tool that the team is utilizing right now. “The strength of this team that will help win in the playoffs is to stay focused 100% during each game, leaving everything on the field. We will have time to recover and to prepare for each game. The drive is there, we just have to show it on the field each game. The motivation and drive to win is there for every player on the team.”
This message is consistent with all members of the team, as senior Center Midfielder Elizabeth Goldstein relayed a similar message about focus and the grind. “Every minute counts at this point. The rest matters, the mindset matters, and most importantly, the drive matters. We have the players that are made for the moment. Winning is hard, and it takes a lot to continue to push past the rankings and hype to stay composed and make every training session, warmup, and game count.”
Another point made by Goldstein is the positive impact that the coaching staff has had on the players since the beginning. “The coaching staff is what ties the group together. Individually we are all talented, but the twine to tie us together comes down to the coaches. The decisions they make impact our chemistry, and they are doing their best to make the right decision in every situation. It is a tedious process with many possible solutions.” Tucker agreed, stating “Our coach Tim has a huge impact, he always does what is best for our team in training sessions and practice. Our strength coach Brandon does everything to get us prepared for the week. If we are too sore one day, we will do deep tissue strengthening, or if we are sore, we will do recovery for our bodies. My goalie coach Jamie gets me prepared for every game every week, focusing on something I need to work on or focusing on what our opponents offensive line does to prepare me for everything. From moving my feet, catching a ball, diving, or service balls.”
The program has a veteran Head Coach Tim Strange, who has been the women’s Head Coach since 1999. In that span, Strange holds an overall record of 109-47-22, with a GLVC record of 79-34-22. Other members of Coach Strange’s staff include Assistant Coaches Glen Butler, Alvaro Cortazar, Jovin Grewal, and Goalkeeper Coach Jamie Swanner.
Overall, the team is focused on the result, not the statistics. “It feels really good to be on a winning team, but I know none of us look at ourselves that way. We set high standards for ourselves and work really hard as a team. No one really looks or cares about the stats, we all do our own individual job and support each other as a team to get the job done. We push one another on and off the field, and the team chemistry is awesome. We get frustrated with a tie because we expect more out of ourselves,” says Abby Tucker. This mindset is what has brought this team to this point, and their season is far from over. Best of luck to our Bearcat Women’s Soccer Team going into the playoff season!
