Courtesy: FIUSports.com
Release: 08/07/2009
 

As the first week of camp winds down for FIU’s women’s soccer team, veterans and newcomers alike are feeling good about the early preseason training.

“Camp is going pretty well,” said senior co-captain Amy Jackson. “Everybody’s working really hard. We’ve got some really god prospects that have come in and I think a lot of the freshmen will contribute to the team this year.”

Kasandra Sorzano echoed Jackson’s feelings about camp. “Camp’s been going good,” said the junior midfielder. “A little rough at the beginning but I think the girls are starting to get there mentally and physically. There are a lot of new girls coming in so it’s going to be a challenge getting everyone on the same page.”

One of those new players is freshman goalkeeper Kaitlyn Savage. “It’s been hard, I’m sore, but overall I think it’s been pretty good,” said Savage about the first week of camp. “Everyone is working hard as a team, trying to get that team chemistry going.”

For different players, camp represents a chance to work on different aspects of their game. As a senior, Jackson sees camp as a way to become more of a vocal leader. “I’ve got to step up and take more of a leadership role and get everybody fired up and ready to take control,” said the Australian midfielder.”

Savage, on the other hand, is trying to improve her physical condition and hone her skills. “I’m trying to get in the best shape possible,” said Savage. “I’m already in pretty good shape, but it’s always good to get in better shape. I’m also working hard to include my skills as a goalkeeper.”

One returning player giving savage a hand is the person that she will challenge for a starting spot, incumbent goalkeeper Melanie Raimo. “She’s always there if I don’t understand anything,” added Savage “She’ll point out if I’m doing something wrong, she can see it and she knows to tell me what to do. She’s been real helpful.”

Head coach Thomas Chestnutt wants his team to work not only on the physical and technical aspect of the game, but the mental side a well. “We need the team to work together and sort of manage itself and that’s another step to becoming a good side,” said Chestnutt. “We’re seeing early signs of that in the first couple of days, so that has been very positive. Camp is very psychologically and physically challenging. We ask the players to think a lot. Obviously there’s the soreness of the body and all that, but as it goes on it’s more getting the mind thinking about the game and being able to solve problems.”

Be it physically, technically or mentally, one thing is for sure, the Golden Panthers are working hard under the Miami sun as they make a push for a Sun Belt Conference championship.