Northwestern University Athletics
The 2001 Women's Soccer Outlook
8/14/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 14, 2001
EVANSTON, Ill. - There is a saying that soccer can be a funny game -- and after being on the receiving end of the sport's cruel-joke mentality in 2000, Northwestern is setting up to have the last laugh in 2001.
Graduation and injuries proved a lethal mix last year for the Wildcats, leaving them with just 17 healthy bodies for much of the season. Adding insult to injury, the 'Cats went just 2-7-1 in the Big Ten, with every loss coming by one goal.
Will 2000's swoon be 2001's boon?
The program begins a new era, as Jenny Haigh takes over the reins as head coach. With her comes a newfound optimism -- and newfound depth. Some key players return after missing last season to injury. In addition, eight newcomers and two walk-ons bolster a healthy, 23-player roster.
"We're going to have a lot of depth this year, which is a new element for this team," said Haigh. "It will add to our versatility, and allow us to have options in case of injury."
Haigh said that the team's focus will be on playing exceptional soccer, doing things well and controlling the controllables. The best place to start is with the returnees.
On the front line, senior Katie Hertz is back for her final season. A three-year starter, she led the team last season with 10 points (4 goals, 2 assists). Hertz will be joined by sophomore Kristen Pearce (3 goals, 2 assists in 2000) and classmate Enyo Dzata (3 goals), as well as senior walk-on Kate Rawsthorne.
"I'm really excited about each of our returning forwards," said Haigh. "They worked hard in the spring and have done a lot of preparation up front. I have no doubt that they are going to come in ready to go. They are the kind of players that, when you give them any kind of feedback, they'll immediately put it to use on the field."
The midfield welcomes back Kas? McCoy, who missed most of 2000 with an injury after being a fixture in the lineup for two years. She will anchor the middle of the field along with a trio of starters from last year: juniors Aileen Guiney, Janelle Harwood and Kelli Wilson. Another junior, Alana Stamas, appeared in five matches last year but will look to break into the lineup in 2001.
"Having Kas? and Aileen fully healthy really solidified the group this spring," said Haigh. "They are instrumental in composing our midfield and adding flair to the attack."
"Janelle has bursts of excellence, and Kelli is very stable and defensive-minded," continued Haigh. "Alana is a tireless worker."
"The midfielders have really learned about each other and committed themselves to being on the same page," she continued.
Senior Katie Kovatch leads an experienced defense as a fourth-year starter. She will be aided by junior Gina Napoli and sophomores Molly Greene and Lindsay Stame. Greene started every match last year as a freshman and Stame played in every match, starting four.
"Our defense is an adaptable group," said Haigh. "They can play in a lot of different formations and be very effective, depending on our team's needs.
"One strength of our backs is that they allow us to be a better attacking team," said Haigh. "Katie and Gina, in particular, add a lot to the attack -- Katie is very dangerous distributing, while Gina has great composure and vision.
"Molly is definitely a backbone for us, both vocally and physically. She is a wonderful last line of defense. Lindsay is consistent and dependable."
In goal, senior Susie McCreery will step up to fill the void of three-year starter Erin Ekeberg, who graduated.
"Susie gained a lot of experience in the spring," said Haigh. "She has stepped right in and taken over the position. She has a very positive, optimistic voice on the team."
This year's freshman class brings eight newcomers to the mix throughout the field. They will add athleticism, height, physicality and versatility.
Ashleigh Garmon is the lone forward addition to the team. Her size, strength and speed leads Haigh to think she might step in and make an impact right away.
The newcomers to the midfield are Lindsey Veris, Carolyn Hack and Kristiina Gilkey.
"Lindsey is a skilled technician with the ball and has good vision. She will be a force in the air," said Haigh. "Carolyn works hard and has a great passion for the game -- she could start for us at several positions. Kristiina, meanwhile, has quick feet and is a quick thinker. She makes the players around her better."
Katie Gunderson and Lauren Johnson add to the defense along with walk-on freshman Sarah Purdy.
"Katie is nicknamed `the enforcer' on her club team," said Haigh. "Her element of physicality and her blue-collar work ethic are things that will make her effective in the Big Ten. Lauren, meanwhile, has a tenacity that will make her effective as a marker."
The Wildcats add one more body to the goalkeeper equation with Anne Helm. Haigh feels she has a lot of potential, plays with courage and is a good organizer.
As a whole, Haigh feels that she has a team that is balanced, committed, versatile and thoughtful.
"I like our commitment and willingness to try new things. We are open-minded, but we have a great understanding of soccer, both in the system we're playing and what we're trying to do on the field."
As Haigh begins her first season as a head coach, she is happy to be joined on the sidelines by one veteran of the program (Erin Hussey) and one newcomer (Chuck Codd).
"I have great people around me," said Haigh. "Erin has already had a great impact on this program, and her strengths really complement me and offer a lot to our players. I'm also excited for what Chuck can bring us with his background in soccer and coaching.
"We have raised the bar in the program -- we have challenged the players, and they have challenged each other. They are embracing the idea of having high expectations, and I think that will translate to success.
"We are ready to have a breakout year."
