La Plume, PA (8-30-10) – In his first year as the head coach of the Keystone College women’s soccer program, Chad Prince and his squad experienced some growing pains as the team searched for its identity.
One year later Coach Prince is anxiously looking forward to the start of the season, as the Giants prepare to put forth a blend of experience and youth.
Coach Prince and his student-athletes have taken giant steps this year toward turning the program in a positive direction. While this year’s roster will see only four returning players, making it one of the youngest teams in the nation, that won’t stop them from competing against their opponents.
"I could not be more excited about the direction of this women's team," says Coach Prince, our average age isn't a concern for me, as it demonstrates huge potential for the future of Keystone College soccer."
According to Coach Prince, while the influx of talented freshmen is a step in the right direction, he cites the leadership of their returnees as a key to the team’s success.
Junior Brianna Borowski and sophomores Deanna Peterson and Saleta Oakley will comprise a core for
the Giants that will be looked upon for both on and off the field leadership. “Brianna, Deanna and Saleta have been through a lot with me and they’ve come out on the other side as better players and better women,” remarked Coach Prince. “They’ve taken that hardship and experience and turned it into leadership and I’m proud of them for that.”
Joining the likes of these returning players is a group of freshmen that have exceeded the expectations of their coaching staff. Midfielders Charlice Brink and Alyssa Roshong, as well as forward Samantha Littleford will all be looked at to step in and contribute right from the start.
"I believe that Charlcie and Alyssa will provide a real threat for us this year. They're both extremely driven and motivated players and will give this program an element of attack that it hasn't seen before," Coach Prince added,
"Sam has already shown us that she has the natural ability to score goals and impact Keystone soccer in her freshman year. She's strong, very coachable, and can finish anywhere within 25 yards. I'm excited to see the threat she poses."
The Giants kick off their 2010 campaign on Wednesday September 1 with a 3pm match at College of Saint Elizabeth.
Following their opening road match the team returns to home for a stretch that will see them play four of their next five matches on Ned Boehm Field. The team’s home opener will be Saturday September 11 at 1pm when they play D’Youville College.