Women’s soccer team prepared for home opener
All photos courtesy of Lee Flames.
The Lady Flames had a historic run last season culminating in an appearance at the NCAA Final Four. The 2018 season ended with an overall record of 17-7-1. Some players are anxious about how this season will compare, especially considering the loss of star player Mia Hollingsworth. However, Women’s Soccer Coach Chris Hennessy remains confident.
“I feel something different about the team this year,” said Hennessy. “I think there’s more experience and maturity because we were a very young team last year. They have that desire, that kind of will and enthusiasm to go further because there’s a belief that they can do that this year.”
Hennessy said achieving a coveted place in the Final Four is hard work. It takes luck and lots of practice, but the team is in the right headspace for success.
“In terms of mentality, I think the team has really knuckled down. They’re excited and ready to test themselves and be a part of that elite group in Division II women’s soccer,” said Hennessy.
The momentum from last season not only motivates the Lady Flames in games, but in practice as well.
“We’re definitely using the momentum from last season. Coach is pushing us harder this season. He has higher standards for us,” said Devin Healy, junior nursing major.
The main challenge for this season is a target on the team’s back. Finishing fourth in the nation last season, the team then kicked off this season ranked sixth.
“We know we’re going to get everybody’s biggest game and we’ve seen that. We’ve been the hunter and now we’re the hunted,” said Hennessy.
The team is already 3-1 this season, winning away games against Cedarville, Trevecca Nazarene and Carson-Newman University. This promising start is carrying the team into the first home game against Tusculum University tonight at 7 p.m.
To keep up with the Lady Flames schedule, click here.
