2008 Women's Soccer Outlook

The Trine University women’s soccer team is enthusiastic about the 2008 season as they begin a new era under first year head coach Ian Poole. The Thunder will be young but talented.

Coach Poole is thrilled to see the players use last season’s experiences as motivation to work diligently during the off-season. “The girls are preparing hard for next fall and are extremely excited about the 2008 season. Their goal is to make this program competitive, not only within the conference, but nationally,” Poole said.

Last year’s travails have prepared the new team leaders for the rigors of a difficult schedule. Juniors Brittany Covault (Allegan, Mich./Allegan), Amy Ramiller (Goodrich, Mich./Goodrich), Kara Hershberger (Nappanee, Ind./Northwood), and Nicole Muzillo (Angola, Ind./Angola) will be leading a young, but strong team of sophomores: Katie Schelinski (Coldwater, Mich./home schooled), Nicki Dixon (Kenton, Ohio/Kenton), and Megan Zieles (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian).

Coach Poole is emphasizing possession-style soccer and hard-nosed defense as the means to turn the program around. “If you achieve those two characteristics and become a disciplined team, then you have given yourself the opportunity for success,” Poole said.

He is convinced that the 2008 season will be a huge improvement and a giant step forward for the women’s soccer program. The Thunder will open the season at home, as they host Manchester College, the College of Saint Catherine, and Malone College in the Jennifer L. Siersma Memorial Classic.