Northwestern University Athletics
Freshmen Could Make Big Impact For 'Cats in 2011
8/15/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 15, 2011
EVANSTON, Ill. --With the start of the 2011 women's soccer season just days away, NUsports.com sat down with Northwestern Head Coach Stephanie Foster to check in on her team's progress in training camp and see who she thinks will be key performers for the 'Cats this season.
What is your team's greatest strength?
We are becoming a team that's both athletic and talented instead of either or, which is a change the roster needed. We have 10 freshmen - but having a lot of young players gives you an innocent sense of courage. They don't feel any pressure and just want to go out on the field and play hard. I think we're going to look like a more exciting team on the field.
What is the greatest challenge this team faces?
I think it's the same thing. Because of all the youth on our roster there are going to be times when we don't have a lot of leadership on the field - unless some of the young players are willing to emerge in that role. Sometimes that can be a lot to ask of someone playing their first few games at this level. I know it will happen, it's just a matter of when.
Who are some of the key players you see making up the attack this season?
Kate Allen looks even better than she did last year at this time, which is natural for someone with a year of experience now. But she's also going to have a lot more help this year from some of our returners who have developed. Bo (Podkopacz) looks much more polished in camp. Caroline Dagley has developed, as has Emily Langston. They have both grown as players. And then there are the newcomers like Katie Landgrebe, who is a natural scorer, and Sami Schrakamp who will do anything to get the ball in front of the goal. It's exciting.
Who are your key defenders?
Right now our whole back line is a question mark. Bri Westlund, who has been the most consistent defender for us the past two seasons, is a little banged up and hasn't been able to get on the field yet this fall. Ali Schneeman and Nicole Duller both bring a lot of experience to the line, but the group is competitive and we're looking to see who emerges from the pack.
One big change for the team this year will be at goalkeeper, after graduating three-year starter Carolyn Edwards. How is the race to replace her shaping up?
All three of our keepers are close right now and Anna Cassell has been making a push to be the starter. It's a rare situation to not have a single minute of collegiate goalkeeping playing time on your roster, but that's what we're facing. The challenge is getting all of them to embrace that it's their job now, even though we haven't declared a starter yet. They're all either used to being the backup or a freshman, so that's not a role they're used to on this team. We need them to act confident and be set to take on the role.
What have you been most impressed with to this point?
The entire freshman class. Every day someone impresses me more and in a different way than the day before. It's a big class so it's hard not to notice them, but when they're so collectively talented you can't help but watch. Sami Schrakamp has especially emerged from that group - I've noticed her on the field every day.
What does the addition of Nebraska this season add to the Big Ten?
They make the conference even more difficult and exciting. A lot of us have played them in the past, but it's different now that they're in the Big Ten. It puts everyone on their toes more. It's good for the conference, good for the fans.
In November the Big Ten Tournament returns after a several year hiatus. What's your feeling about bringing back the conference tournament?
I think it's great. The way it's set up now is more competitive with other BCS conferences as well. I was always in favor of bringing the tournament back, but especially now after last year when I felt we really could have benefitted from having it in place. Having a tournament makes the conference more exciting and it makes it a better experience for the student-athletes. It's nice to know that you've got a postseason to look forward to. And getting the opportunity to host the tournament at Lakeside Field this fall is something our team is really excited about.
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