2001 Outlook
8/7/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 7, 2001
With the return of 19 players, including five senior starters, from last season's squad, head coach Tanya Vogel likes the blend of experience and excitement of this year's squad. Vogel, a '96 GW graduate and four-time soccer letterwinner, will depend on the strong character of the senior class to help provide leadership in 2001. The return of senior Erin Coppedge and redshirt sophomore Kim Warner gives the Colonials one of the most exciting tandems up front in the Atlantic 10. Coppedge, a Second Team Atlantic 10 All-Conference selection, and Warner, an All-Rookie Team selection, will be joined by a third forward this season, as Vogel installs a new attacking system. The versatility and skill of seniors Angelica Caramanica and Tiffany Williams will allow them the opportunity to play up front with Coppedge and Warner. Junior Regina Jeffries, sophomore Michelle Iden and freshman Meghan Cracker could also see time up front. At midfield is where the stiffest competition for playing time will come. Senior Kesha Christoph brings three years of experience and should be in the midfield mix. Junior Kim Sanders and sophomores Colleen Ragan and Meggan Eckert also received significant time there this spring, but Vogel expects the veterans to be pushed by incoming freshmen such as Lindsay Bruno, Kelly Lawten and Amanda Bednarz. Sophomore Kerry Camisa, if healthy, also could factor into the midfield rotation. Vogel seeks additional offense from midfield players this season, but considers them "the hub of the wheel" and expects them to "be the glue that links the team together." The defense was one of the most surprising aspects of the squad last season. Despite the number of goals allowed, Vogel felt it was more a breakdown of team defense than a breakdown of the four defenders. Senior Jessica Sultzer and sophomore Caite Terranova return to anchor the defense for the Colonials. Sophomore Molly Sunderdick did an outstanding job last season and will continue to see time this fall. Junior Pra Patamasucon had an excellent spring season as an outside back and is someone Vogel thinks could surprise this season. Freshman Sydney McCall brings international experience to the squad and along with Tessa Moehlmann will get an opportunity to earn playing time on defense or in the midfield. Sophomore Christine O'Malley returns in the net for the Colonials. In Vogel's eyes, O'Malley gained two years of experience by playing every minute in goal last season. O'Malley will be pushed by sophomore Jamie Olson and freshman Julie Guthrie. All three are excited and eager to work with Colin Lennon and Vogel expects the improvement of her goalkeepers to be felt immediately. In addition to the annual Atlantic 10 schedule, the Colonials will face a tough non-conference schedule. GW will play in the Naval Academy Tournament where it will face Butler and local rival George Mason. In addition to the tournament at Annapolis, the Colonials will play Howard, Georgetown, Maryland, Virginia Commonwealth and Jacksonville in non-conference matchups. With a balance of veterans and underclassmen, an attacking system and a new facility they can truly call "home", the Colonials are eager to show everyone their program is about to turn the corner!
