University of the Cumberlands

2005 Women’s Soccer Season Preview

Two First Team All-Conference Members

Three Second Team All-Conference Members

Two Honorable Mention All-Conference Members

Eight Academic All-Conference Members

One Second Team Region XI Member

Overall Team GPA of 3.2

Four Daktronic-NAIA All-America Scholar Athlete

“I am excited about the opportunity that exists in the women's soccer program. I believe there is a lot of potential and resources to be successful. I hope that I can contribute to that. This year should be one where we begin on that road to success,” stated new head women’s soccer coach Aron Bassoff.

The Patriot ladies recently finished the 2004 season with a final record of 8-9-3 after a loss to Georgetown College in the first round of the Region XI tournament, as the second visit to regions in four years. “The toughest thing about the 2005 season will be the transition in coaching. Going from one coach to another is always challenging and there is an adjustment period. Hopefully that will happen quickly so we can be successful,” said Bassoff.

The Patriot ladies will look to key returnees to help make the transition smooth. Leslie Bryan, who led the team with nine goals along with three assists garnering 21 points for the 2004 season will return along with Dana Ferguson. Ferguson led the team with seven assists along with four goals to make 15 points for the season. Both ladies also received conference honors as well. Defender and senior Melanie Roberts will also return to anchor the defensive unit.

“Our goals are to have a winning record, make it to the Conference and Regional Finals, and beat Georgetown. We also want to obtain the team academic award from NSCAA, and represent the University of the Cumberlands (UC) in a positive way on and off the field,” Coach Bassoff commented.

Bassoff summed up his thoughts on the program by saying, “UC already has a good team. We just need to do some work in areas that successful NAIA teams have already done. We need to distinguish ourselves from other NAIA schools. It takes a lot of work to be great. With Lindsey Wilson, a previous national champion and annually a national contender, in the conference, it is easy to see where we stack up. Martin Methodist received an at large bid last year to Nationals so if we do well in our region in the years to come we stand a good chance at making it to nationals.”

Look for the Patriot ladies to rise to the challenges their new coach has set for them as they travel down the road to the NAIA Championships in 2005.

Two first team All-Conference members
Four second team All-Conference members
Three honorable mention All-Conference members
Seven Academic All-Conference members
Head Coach Tim Wolz received Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year
NSCAA Team Academic Award for outstanding team GPA (3.3)

The 2004 season for the Women's Soccer Team will be one full of youth and excitement. After finishing 8-10 last year, the team will look to their younger players to improve the team's standing. The Patriot Ladies lost eleven seniors to graduation last year. With the loss of players like 2nd All Time Leading Scorer Amanda Harbor, All-American Honorable Mention Monica Hardin, team captains Keri Ashley, All-Region Goalkeeper Holly Wolf, defensive specialist Kristin Williams, and outside midfielder Holly Gardner, the team will rely on some newcomers and the returnees to continue the tradition of the University of the Cumberlands Women's Soccer.

Several freshman could see a lot of varsity playing time this year. Lesley Bryan, of Bartow, FL and Katie Delozier, of Crestwood, KY should step in and contribute to the team immediately. With the loss of senior Holly Wolf, the goalkeeper position will be the biggest and hardest to fill. Three freshman, Jennifer Underwood, Jody Adams, and Bethany Ott, will be competing for the starting spot.

The Patriot Ladies will rely heavily on their returning players. Captains Jenni Ebert, Dana Ferguson, and Dawn Marshall will be the driving force behind the team. Their experience and talent will help guide their team against every opponent. Tori Hogg and Melanie Roberts will contribute greatly to the team again this year, too. Head Coach Tim Wolz comments, "I think we will still carry a very strong team because the players filling in have lots of game experience and skill."

After finishing second in the Mid-South Conference to National Champion runner-up Lindsey Wilson last year, the Patriot Ladies will be eager to compete and display their talent and skill. They will open their season on August 25 at home versus Tennessee Wesleyan.

2005 Women’s Soccer Season Preview

2004-2005 Preview

University of the Cumberlands Women's Soccer 04-05 Preview