Perrys Summer Ends With Honors

Courtesy: FIUSports.com 08/04/2009

After a stellar summer playing for the Miami Kickers FC, FIU’s April Perry was named the WPSL Midwest and Sunshine Region Player of the Year, as well as being honored as a member of the 2009 All-Region Team, and the WPSL All-League First Team.

“That was a crazy experience,” said Perry, who netted seven goals and dished out one assist. “I really didn’t expect that to happen. It was a very rewarding experience. I was honored.”

For Perry, who led her squad to a league semifinal birth, playing over the summer began as a way to stay in shape, but ended up as an exciting experience that has her ready for the start of FIU training camp, which is set to begin on Wednesday at 6:15 a.m.

“It’s still going to be hard for me, but I think it’ll be a bit easier because I know what to expect,” said the sophomore midfielder. ”Either way, I’m ready to work hard. It should be a good preseason.”

Another second-year player, Mayara Bordin, echoes Perry’s feelings about the preseason. “I feel great,” said Bordin. “I feel more confident. I’ve been working really hard during the summer. I think we have all the tools to have a better season. I feel very confident.”

Despite being in just her second year at FIU, Bordin is a senior and therefore has assumed a leadership role on the team. However, the Brazilian midfielder doesn’t feel the pressure of the added responsibility. “The only pressure I have is the pressure I put on myself,” said Bordin. “I’m very committed to making this my best season.”

While for players like Perry and Bordin, the experience of coach Thomas Chestnutt’s training camp will not be new, that will not be the case for FIU’s eight newcomers. One of those newbies is freshman Casey Thames. “I’m nervous, but I’m also excited,” said Thames. “I think we’ll all do well. We’re all a little nervous for preseason, but we’ve been working very hard this summer, so I know we’ll do well.”

For Thames, like every other newcomer, training camp represents a chance to make an impression on not only their teammates, but the coaches. “Everyone’s excited and looking forward to start playing games,” said Thames, who sees herself as a hard-working playmaker that can set others up. “I’m going to work very hard to try to win a position as a center-mid. I have a great work ethic, I see the field very well and I’m a great passer.”

For head coach Thomas Chestnutt, training camp marks the beginning of the culmination of months of hard work. “As a staff, we are excited about the upcoming season,” said Chestnutt. “Like in farming, everyone puts in the hard work all year long in anticipation of a great harvest.  The girls and the staff will now have the opportunity to see the fruits of their labor.”

Chestnutt’s players couldn’t agree more. “I’m excited to start the season so we can begin playing and winning games,” added Bordin. “I’m looking forward to hopefully winning the conference this year.”