Indiana University Athletics
Women's Soccer Preseason Workouts
8/11/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 11, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana women's soccer team reported to team preseason workouts yesterday at the Armstrong Stadium practice fields for their first day of workouts. Today the Hoosiers continued with their preseason activities in preparation for their first exhibition match of the year against Memphis Friday, Aug. 19, at Yeagley Field at Armstrong Stadium at 7 p.m.
Head coach Mick Lyon is nothing but pleased with what he has seen so far from the Hoosier returnees and newcomers.
"We have had a very nice start so far," Lyon said. "The fitness level and the attitude of the girls coming in has been a great start to the season. We are always a little better every year when we get started, and this year is no exception. My interest is undoubtedly peaked as to what they can accomplish with the abilities and attitudes I have seen so far."
Freshman Molly Kruger has adjusted well to the intense regimen of preseason, and says the team is working hard to be mentally and physically prepared for this coming season.
"Preseason started out yesterday with a Cooper Test," Kruger said. "That is a 12 minute test around the track, where you try to run as many laps as you can. It has been intense and hard so far, but we really want to have a good season. We are all helping each other and encouraging each other through it all."
Senior Courtney O'Bryan says the team is picking up right where it left off in the spring when the Hoosiers went 9-0 during the off-season.
"Everything is just clicking right away for us," O'Bryan said. "It's like we are just picking right up with where we finished during the spring. As far as for me as a senior, I take it all in every time I step foot on the field knowing it's my last season. I just want to make it a good one."
The Hoosier goalies are also acclimating themselves to change as new assistant coach Erika Flanders, who joined the Hoosiers after spending three years at Creighton University, has added a new and more intense regimen to the repertoire of the goalkeepers training. Redshirt freshman Megan Reinhardt knows that all the training will only help them be ready for the tough competition they will face in the Big Ten.
"We are getting used to a new training regimen," Reinhardt said. "There is a lot more fitness and a lot more up and down work involved in practice now. It is nice working this hard and getting the fitness in that we need to have. It is definitely going to be a fun and action packed season for the fans and the team."
Senior Kristen Zmijewski, recently named the 2005 team captain, realizes that with a large incoming class of nine freshman and one junior college transfer, her role as a leader will be needed on and off the field.
"I am really honored to be nominated and chosen as this years captain," Zmijewski said. "It is a big position to have. With a lot of the team being returners, it makes it easier, yet there is a large group of newcomers that need someone to look up to. Especially during preseason, if you are not working hard, it gets people down, so you have to be a leader all the time. It's exciting to have the responsibility, and I am up for the challenge."
The Hoosiers will continue with preseason workouts through next week, and will begin with their season opener at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, Calif., at 4 p.m.
