Senior Steph Haugh reflects on her last preseason camp

It's crazy to think that I'm in my last preseason here as a Kent State soccer player. When I started out as a freshman, I really did not know what to expect or how to feel. I was extremely nervous and excited to be part of a great program. Over my years I have come to learn that preseason allows you to test not only your physical fitness and strength, but your mental toughness as a player. Our coaches push us to give our best every day, individually and as a team. This year we had a great start to camp with the majority of our players passing fitness tests, showing dedication and pride in the goals we have set for ourselves this year. We have worked hard on all aspects of our game and progressed both on and off the field over the past week. I am excited to play with the group of girls we have and have no doubt that we will be very successful this year. As a senior, I hope that I can help to inspire our players and provide a great example fto accomplish our goals this year!

First Day Fitness Test and Field Sessions - Awesome

SOCCER UNDERWAY … Coach Rob Marinaro was pleased with the way his women’s soccer team got started on the team’s first day of practice Wednesday morning in the Field House.

Last year, only 10 players passed fitness test on day one. This year 16 out of the 21 players on the roster passed. The rest will have two more opportunities.

Marinaro said 16 is an all-time record. That means players took their offseason conditioning seriously while they were away from campus, “and that has me excited to see them coming back and prepared to go after a MAC championship,” he said. “We are in a much better position than we have ever been, and we are excited about the conditioning and the commitment of our student athletes.”

The next two days will see the team continue with fitness tests in the morning followed by two training sessions. The afternoon sessions feature more teaching with a bit more playing style in the evening just to get players acclimated to being back and to the style of play.

There is a lot to pack in over the next 16 days before the Flashes start their season Aug. 22 at home vs. Western Illinois.