COACH SPEAK: Youngstown State Women's Soccer Preview

Aug. 13, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Youngstown State women's soccer head coach Anthony James takes time with www.horizonleague.org to preview the Penguins' 2008 season. This year YSU was picked ninth in the preseason coaches' poll.

Q: What are your expectations heading into this season?

A: "A lot is expected from this group, we have three of our top players finally back from ACL tears and we our best freshman class on paper to date, so we feel like we are about to have our best season ever. By the end of November we will just see what that represents."

Q: With nine starters returning from last year's team, what do you think they will take from last season's experience?

A: "This team went through a lot last season and it was especially devastating to lose three of our top players for the year from the very beginning of our season. In spite of it all, our team felt like they were in every game that they played last fall. Our players have a renewed commitment to their fitness standards and a greater focus on our discipline."

Q: How tough will it be for your team to play six of it first eight games away from home?

A: "As you know, it is extremely difficult to win on the road. However, during the spring we played all of our games on the road including three games on our international trip to get ready for the fall schedule. So even though we know it will be tough to win on the road, our team will be up for the challenge."

Q: What is one thing you have tried to stress to your team in the preseason so far?

A: "During the preseason thus far, we have been focusing on our defensive shape and our player's ability to execute under extreme pressure in tight spaces."

Q: Last season Carrie Wack was named Second Team All-Horizon League, with this being her senior year, how has she evolved as a player since her freshman year?

A: "I have seen Carrie (Wack) evolve from a player coming off the bench in various roles in the beginning of her freshman year to being one of the very best defenders in the Horizon league. By the middle of her freshman year we allowed her to focus on becoming the very best outside back she could be and she has done just that. She has developed into a very good one-on-one defender, who is very good at attacking out of the back. She is incredibly fit and a leader both on and off the field."

Q: This season you have nine incoming freshman, how have they adapted to the college game?

A: "At the moment they are adapting quite well. Our fitness standards have been a little tough on them especially the international players. However, they have been working through it. I think the consistency and focus that is needed on every play to succeed at this level is what they are working through the most right now."

Q: How good do you think this freshman class can be?

A: "On paper it is the strongest class we have ever had here at YSU. We have a good blend of domestic and international players, who bring a winning tradition from their respective programs. For the first time, we will no longer be viewed as one of the smallest teams in the country as well. As we all know, they still have to step onto the field and get it done, but I like their chances."

Q: How much will you rely on your seniors for leadership this season?

A: "We will be relying on them a lot. They have been doing a great job both on and off the field since January."