Indiana University Athletics
Hoosiers Continue Preseason Work
8/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Aug. 14, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - After an unforgettable 2005 season, the Indiana field hockey team is back to work to ensure 2006 is just as memorable. As IU enters its second week of preseason work, several Hoosiers share how the start of the season has been going.
Head coach Amy Robertson
On the start of preseason camp:
"This is the best preseason we have ever had. The freshmen have come in and you can't even tell they are freshmen by the level of their play. Of course, they are still working on fitting into our style and system. The intensity has been really high and attitude has been really positive. In five days, we have accomplished a lot already. We are ready to scrimmage to see where we need to keep making adjustments. There are still areas that need organized, but overall we are looking really good."
On the condition of the players returning:
"A lot of our upper classmen that have returned looking for that starting role have come back in great shape. I have been very pleased with Margie Stoll and Rachel Telian. Additionally, our captains, Lydia Schrott, Morgan Miller and Meredith Brown, have shown why they were voted captains. They are in the best shape I have ever seen them."
Junior midfielder Amanda Oyler
On the first week of preseason camp:
"It's going really well so far. There is a lot of energy and intensity out here. We have developed good communication on the field right off the bat. Even though we have a young team, everyone is here to practice everyday and get better. This team has really pushed and supported each other so far. It's exciting to be back."
On the freshmen:
"The freshmen are fitting in really well. They adjusted right away and are making the rest of the team better."
Junior forward Kate O'Connell
On the start of practice:
"I think practices have been going well. We know we have a lot to work on, but it's great to see how this team has come together."
Senior back April Levins
On preseason camp:
"Practice has been going well. There is a lot to work on without a doubt. The freshmen are really talented and have made an impact on this team so far. It's been fun to bring a large group of people back into a new setting. This team has a lot of new faces and new personalities and getting to experience that has been exciting."
On the defense:
"The defense will definitely be a strength of this team. We return a lot on defense in (goalkeeper) Haley Exner and (backs) Morgan Miller and Dani Castro. We have added Fenna (Geuskens) who has a great knowledge of the game and a really nice hit. The coaches are changing up our defensive structure a little bit, making us a stronger unit."
On this being her final preseason:
"My last preseason camp is bittersweet. I am excited it is my senior year. I can't believe it's come so fast. I remember my first practice and thinking it was so hard. Now, I think it's all happening too fast. I am cherishing every practice and every moment because I know I will never have this experience again."
Indiana opens the 2006 slate on the road against Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent Virginia on Saturday, Aug. 26. The Hoosiers stay in Virginia to take on Longwood the following day.
IUHOOSIERS.com will have complete coverage of the Hoosiers' 2006 campaign.
