Welcome to Fall Preview Week at GoASU.com. From Aug. 19-25, GoASU.com will provide in-depth previews of Appalachian's cross country, field hockey, soccer and volleyball squads as they prepare to open their respective 2011 campaigns.
Women's Soccer Ready for 2011 Campaign
BOONE, N.C. - Coming off a 5-8-5 season, Appalachian State women's soccer is ready to rebound in 2011. After joining the program as its third head coach in as many years, Sarah Strickland enters her second campaign at the helm of the ASU, ready to lead the Mountaineers to success.
"Our returning players are playing at a high level and everyone is working hard," observes Strickland. "We're going to take the season game by game, and it should be exciting to see how we handle our difficult schedule ... anything is possible."
Helping Strickland on the sideline, Appalachian welcomes two new faces to the coaching staff. Assistant Lindsey Morgan comes to Boone after stints with her alma mater, Columbus State, and Stephen F. Austin. Student assistant Ben Birdsong will also be on hand to help organize practices. Morgan and Birdsong accompany Lindsay Cobb, who is entering her seventh year on the ASU bench.
"We are excited to have Lindsey on board," notes Strickland. "She brings a different perspective and background to the program. In addition, Ben provides another point of view and a chance to give our athletes more individualized attention at practices."
Three captains lead the Mountaineers this year. Senior Katy Dodd is a three-time captain whose unique and dynamic play provides creativity and spontaneity in the midfield. Junior Hannah Coad is the heartbeat of the team, holding the squad together and setting the front line. Junior Taylor Dunlap anchors the backfield with her consistency, rarely making mistakes.
Joining Coad up front, senior Sydney Hill is the team's leading returner in assists. She makes some of the league's best serves and is expected to contribute more assists with her crossing passes. Freshman Callie Johnson has been aggressive in the preseason and is a player to watch for on offense.
Junior Meggie Graham, a freshman all-SoCon selection in 2009, returns to assist Dodd in the midfield. Redshirt junior Jordan Horvath is back from injury, and the exceptional fitness of sophomore Sam Neill is another asset to the ASU offense.
Alongside Dunlap on the back line, sophomore Amy Werdine only spent three minutes on the bench as a freshman and is a natural leader and defensive force. Classmate Mimi Kleitches worked hard to develop into the role of a new center back, and Nicole Steyl and Morgan Fancher are also expected to contribute to the defense.
In goal, the Mountaineers lost a key asset with the graduation of Caroline Clarke. Redshirt freshman Amy Kolowsky and true freshman Cailynn Moore have demonstrated different strengths and provide Strickland with options between the pipes. Sophomore Jordan Hatton is recovering from injury and may see playing time in the latter half of the season.
Arguably the toughest non-conference schedule in program history awaits this year's Mountaineers. Seven of the Apps' eight non-conference opponents have qualified for the NCAA tournament at least once since 2005. Two opponents, Army and High Point, were regular-season winners of their respective conferences in 2010.
This year's slate also features two teams from the ACC (Clemson and Virginia Tech), a conference that ASU has not faced since the Black and Gold hosted Florida State in 1997.
"Our girls asked for a strong non-conference schedule," explains Strickland. "The competition will be a tough reality check and will strengthen the team heading into conference play."
In SoCon play, Appalachian faces tough competition from a league that should play tougher than ever. UNCG and Georgia Southern bring new coaching staff, and The Citadel has developed into a new force in the league.
"Anything is possible in the conference," says Strickland. "You have to have a good day every day."
The Mountaineers kick off the year against Army at home on Sunday, August 21, at 11 a.m.
GoASU.com PREVIEW WEEK
Friday, Aug. 19 - Women's Soccer
Monday, Aug. 22 - Field Hockey
Tuesday, Aug. 23 - Men's Soccer
Wednesday, Aug. 24 - Men's and Women's Cross Country
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Volleyball
