The women’s soccer team is looking to build on last year’s success, in its quest to be number one.
The 2003 squad has 8 returning starters and 15 letter winners, including seniors Rhonda Jones and Molly Keating.
Last year was the University’s first regular-season Atlantic Sun Conference soccer title. Together they broke 28 program records and attained the most all-conference selections in team history.
In an interview with Rhonda, Molly and head coach Brian Dooley; it’s not hard to see that the team’s success is based on “the hard work of these senior girls, they have set the standards for the rest of the team”. Coach Dooley went on to say that “this team is special because of its leadership”.
Rhonda Jones added, “heart and determination, we practice 3 times a day, we want to win”. Rhonda went on to say that “the new recruits are amazing, both on and off the field, I can’t believe it”.
The real question is what will it take to beat last year’s record, to be number one? Molly Keating replied “a strong finish. We need to remember how hard we worked all year, and not let up at the end of the season. I try to take it one day at a time, one game at a time”.
The team has a tough road ahead, “all of our games this year will be tough, that’s how we get better, we challenge ourselves”, said coach Dooley, who is only 3 wins away from his 50th as FAU head coach. The coach added, ” The thing I like the most about working with student athletes is the friendships I build. Students come back to see me years later, it’s a special bond, a partnership”.
The women’s soccer field has experienced some great changes such as the new seats, with a new score board and a flag pole to come soon.
Coach Dooley talked about the future of the facilities; “we have a plan, over the next five years to make a lot of changes”.
The women’s home soccer field is located behind the Oxley Center, tucked in behind FAU’s baseball fields. The lady owls will play 10 home games, and Boca Raton will host this year’s Atlantic Sun Conference tournament November 6-8.
The whole team is excited to host the tournament; Rhonda Jones said, “My parents are coming all the way from Scotland, I can’t wait”.
Molly added, “It’s my senior year, I can’t think of a better way to end a season, I’m excited”.
Show your school spirit and attend a women’s soccer game. This team is fun to watch. The games are fast paced and hard hitting. With all the talent this team has, they should give all of their competitors a sleepless night.
