Starting six freshmen can be a genius move or a miserable mistake. The balance hangs in the veterans and how they incorporate the new players on to the team.
The University of Tampa women’s soccer team has embraced the youth movement this season, sending out an unusually young team on the field producing positive results, so far.
After shooting out to an 8-2 early season record, the UT women have stumbled a bit lately, dropping two key games to rival Rollins College, a 1-0 loss and double overtime tie.
“I can’t say we didn’t deserve to lose,” said head coach Gerry Lucey. “We haven’t done anything wrong, we’ve been consistent. Just made a big defensive mistake against Rollins.”
As of now, Rollins and UT are tied for first in SSC play, with UT holding the advantage in overall record. Lucey acknowledges the talent Rollins possess on their team and understands the division will not simply be handed over.
“[Rollins] is a very solid team. They were ranked number one in the preseason rankings. They’re well organized and have lots of returning players,” said Lucey. “We just need to put everything together.”
Sophomore forward Jenny Karl is anything but anxious about Rollins catching them in the standings.
“[We’re] not nervous. We’re hyped up, we want to play them,” said Karl. “We keep winning, we keep playing.”
Karl, a criminal justice major from Newport Richie, Florida, has been seeing increased minutes in the second half of the season. “She [Jenny] has come in the last few games and added lots of energy,” said Lucey. “She’s a good outlet down the right side.”
In her second year with the team, Karl has made several improvements to her game, adopting a more attack-oriented attitude, creating problems for opposing defenses. “She [Jenny] understands the game better, the tactical side,” said Lucey. “She’s made improvements but there is still room for more.”
Score more goals, enhance field vision and have a better first touch are all things Lucey would like to see his sophomore improve on going forward. “I’m on the field 30 minutes before practice running individual drills to try and better my game,” said Karl. “I have a teammate kick the ball real high in the air and I settle it, trying to improve my first touch like coach wants.”
Despite such a young squad, Karl insists the team has the talent and drive to go all the way this year. “We got so far last year, losing in the elite eight, we proved to ourselves we can make it,” said Karl earnestly. “ Now we are hungry and determined to prove we can win it all. We’re ring-chasing right now.”
Mistakes and miscues are common with such a young team, but learning from them and moving on are vital. “Every team makes mistakes,” said Karl. “We point it out to each other and learn from them.”
The team’s excellent chemistry plays an important role in being able to openly point out mistakes to a teammate and improve as a team. “The chemistry is really good,” said Karl. “We didn’t expect it to be this good. We all bond really well, on and off the field.”
Earlier in the season, Lucey was happy about being nationally ranked but conceded he was more interested in being ranked at the end of the season. The team, now ranked no. 24 nationally, has dropped several spots in the past few weeks.
“Don’t want to drop out this time of year,” said Lucey. “It does mean quite a bit to stay ranked in the top 25 at this point.”
The UT women bounced back to earlier season form in their game this past Saturday against Palm Beach Atlantic. “We need to be creative and get defensive shape as quickly as possible,” said Lucey before the game.
The team did just that, shutting out Atlantic 2-0 on a pair of headers from forward Lauren Moore. With just two games remaining before postseason play, Lucey preaches focus and improvement for his team.
“We need to continue getting better individually,” said Lucey. “Take individual responsibilities on the field, can’t look around at each other.”
After being asked the best advice she’s ever been given, Karl sat back in her chair and pondered for a moment. “Never give up, give it your all,” Karl responded initially before settling on her final answer with a giggle. “Don’t stink up the field my dad always says.”
The team would be wise to listen to Karl’s advice as they chase down a much desired National Championship.
Nathan Krohn can be reached at nathan.krohn@spartans.ut.edu.