By Andrea Ressler, sports information assistant
Aug. 2, 2007

Strength is the goal for the 2007 women's soccer team as fifth-year head coach Steve Smucker strives to develop a winning combination of experience, skill and toughness. With most of the starting eleven intact, the team will work to develop consistency and a winning attitude during the upcoming season.

The women's soccer team faced a challenging year last season as they went 3-14, losing seven games by a single goal. Injuries once again plagued the team as they struggled to display consistency and keep healthy bodies on the field. Keys to improvement on the field for the 2007 season are focusing on building physical strength, keeping the players healthy, and developing emotional and mental toughness.

The Beavers will look to their captains to produce results on the field as well as provide guidance. Senior captain Jessie Good (Elida/Elida), who was a first team All-Heartland Conference selection in 2006, brings her athletic ability and leadership back to the pitch as the commander of the middle. Junior captains Elyse Burckhart (Telford, Penn./Souderton) and Allison White (Lima/Shawnee) along with sophomore forward Meghan Forquer (North Canton/Green)will look to continue their scoring prowess as they lead the offensive assault for the Beavers.

Junior Chantel Mangrum (Jackson, Tenn./Jackson Christian) and senior Eva Voth (Bluffton/Bluffton) will anchor the defense as they return to lead a formidable backfield in 2007. Veteran Rochelle Stoltzfus (Bluffton/Bluffton) will provide leadership both on and off the field, and she will be joined by junior Amy Dahl (Perrysville/Loudonville) and senior Lauren Fairchild (Toledo/Whitmer) who round out the experienced defense for Bluffton.

Four year letter-winner and three-year starter Ashley Bloom (Tiffin/Calvert) will battle with sophomore goal-keeper Annalee Kaplan (Hilliard/ Hilliard-Darby) and freshman Bethani Corbett (Lima/ Shawnee) for a place between the posts.

New to the team this year is assistant coach Mustaq Ahmed. Ahmed comes to the Beavers after starting the women's program at Bluffton High School and coaching various club teams. "Coach Ahmed will specifically focus on the women's program. He is quite knowledgeable and an experienced trainer," Coach Smucker said. Another welcome addition to the women's staff is assistant coach Arnie Sharp. Sharp joins the Beavers following six years as head coach at Hesston College in Kansas. "He is a good recruiter and he knows the ins and outs of being a head coach which will be very helpful to me," Coach Smucker said.

Eight newcomers also join the Beavers as they hope to capitalize on the leadership and experience of the returning 14. The team will participate in a challenge ropes course during the pre-season to build teamwork and toughness before a challenging fall schedule unfolds. "For the women's team to have success, the question is, Are they tough enough?' " Smucker said. "They need to know that they can compete and they are a team that can overcome deficits."The Beavers hope to gain that confidence and toughness as they prepare to turn the close games from last year into wins this season.

-BEAVERS-