Teamwork is essential to any winning soccer squad, and the members of the 2010 Bloomsburg women’s soccer team will rely on fully integrating the knowledge of its veterans with the speed of its newcomers to ensure its success this fall.
Entering her 13th season, Head Coach Sandy Dickson has amassed a 126-83-24 (.644) career record at the helm of the Bloomsburg program. Her accomplishments include a trip to the 2000 NCAA D-II quarterfinals, a pair of PSAC championships and eight PSAC and 5 NCAA tournament berths. Dickson hopes to bring that experience to the pitch and lead her team to success again this season.
Dickson is confident that her team has the tools to make another postseason run this year. “We have really good chemistry, and a good mix of youth and veteran leadership.”
For the first time since 2004, the PSAC will be contested as a single overall conference, leaving behind the East/West division that had previously defined the league. “The PSAC has tremendous parity and it will be a battle in every game,” notes Dickson. “I prefer the round robin and getting to play everyone in the conference, and I know the players are also looking forward to a larger array of opponents.”
FORWARDS
After suffering an injury her sophomore year, senior Kelsey Stoka is back to full strength and looks to lead the Huskies on the front line again this year. Known for her ability to control the ball through defenders, Stoka is well-respected by her peers and will be a positive example for the younger players around her.
Expected to join Stoka on the front is All-State freshman Tara Huber, who will add superb field sense and quickness to the lineup. Classmates Katy Fexa, Kaitlyn Chatt and Jamie Vaniver all have good speed and ability to finish. Sophomore Sam Fox brings a solid shot and good ability in the air and junior Lauren Mento, a composed natural lefty, should also provide scoring punch for the Huskies.
MIDFIELDERS
Described by her coach as “the quarterback” of the team, senior Ali McCrossin is a vocal leader on the midfield, making intelligent decisions and winning air balls. As a captain, she will be entrusted to keep the team organized on both sides of the ball.
McCrossin could find herself in the company of two transfers that join the Huskies this season. Coming from PSAC-rival Mansfield University, junior Natalie Adams brings an engaging personality and tremendous work ethic to the team. Transfer Caroline Mountney from Centenary College brings speed with the ability to finish and will be utilized in the midfield or on the front line.
Junior Katie Walczuk has proven to be a dominating central player, and brings a tremendous work rate, leadership skills and an attacking ability to the pitch.
Sophomores Lauren Stedman, Becky Canderan and Becca Lieberman also bring unique abilities to the midfield. Freshmen Kyleigh Reckage, Rachel Watson, and Taylor Pettis will give the Huskies incredible depth in the midfield.
DEFENDERS
All-region defender Kristine Preski anchors a Bloomsburg defense that is deep in speed and talent. Preski is a ruthless defender with superior ball handling skills whose leadership skills and strong mentality should carry her to a spectacular senior season. She will be relied upon for her understanding of the game as she commands a relatively young line of defenders.
Assisting Preski will be junior Aimee Bux and sophomore Cait Raynes. Joining the ranks will be freshmen Kelsey Holtz, Kaitlin Betson, Lauren Kreglow, Jessy Shober, Laura Wrona and Sarah Surzyn, all of whom could be serious contenders for starting roles and playing time.
GOALKEEPERS
Junior Frances Nicoletti is in the BU lineup again this season, having finished second in the PSAC in saves last year. With classmate Marissa McDowell, the pair has developed significantly in the past year. With the arrival of Assistant Coach Michael Eade, having played as a goalkeeper himself, the team will have added strength between the pipes. Freshmen Sarah Sallade and Ashley Hart will have the opportunity to sharpen their skills while adding further depth to the position.
Good teamwork requires players to sacrifice personal glory for the betterment of the team, and Dickson believes that her athletes have the selfless qualities necessary to play and win as a unit. “The strength of our team will be how hard they are willing to work for each other.”