Women’s Soccer Preview: Players and Coaches Optimistic about New Season (August 19, 2003)

BILLINGS, MT – Following a difficult 2002 season, the Montana State University-Billings Women’s Soccer Team enters this year’s campaign with an abundance of potential.  With eight returning players and twelve new recruits, the team possesses both experience and an array of talent.  In an attempt to avenge last season’s disappointing 2 – 14 record, the girls have worked tirelessly throughout the spring season and summer.  Both the players and coaches hope to carry this intense determination into the fall season and use it to spark what will hopefully be a great year. 

In addition, the program will continue to adjust to coaching transitions and work on the process of blending new faces with returning team members.  These tasks, along with other necessary preparations, must take place during what will be an intense but optimistic pre-season.  What ever the case, each and every member of the MSUB Women’s soccer program appears to be committed to doing what it takes to accomplish their goals and be successful.

RETURNERS:  With the loss of five players there are only seven upper classman in camp this fall.  The four seniors of the team have played for MSUB for all four years. Mandy Reed from Denver, CO has played since 2000, competing in 52 games in her college career.  She was a key defender and leader as the Yellowjacket sweeper her freshman and junior years and she can also be utilized as a left mid-fielder. 

Another senior playing since 2000 with 52 games under her belt is Kelly Bryn from Missoula, MT.  In the past she has been a mid-fielder, but her performance last year proves that she can be a dangerous forward.  As a player she has killer instinct that helped her set a record and has the 14^th fastest goal in NCAA Division II history at 27 seconds. 

Heidi Robertson, from Great Falls, MT, has participated in 48 games and ranks fourth with assists in the three years that she has been here.  Every year she has proven herself to the team and now she is going on her second year as one of the captains.  Heidi can play just about anywhere.  During her career she has been crucial in defense and can score.

Sara Otis from Vancouver, WA, has been plagued with injury after injury.  All three years she has had knee problems and has broken her arm twice.  Although she has had a lot of downtime while recovering from injuries, her passion for the game has helped her compete in 46 games and rank fourth in goal scoring and third in assists for Yellowjacket soccer history. 

There are only three juniors on the squad.  Candy Cherry from Missoula, MT, has played since 2001 and has played in 34 games.  She has the ability to inspire her players by example which is why she in the other team captain.  She has mainly played defense for her first two years, but there are hopes for her to create some scoring opportunities this year. 

Margot Merrill-Johnson from Salt Lake City, UT has played in 34 games.  She has a strong presence as a center mid-fielder but has demonstrated she can score.  She ranks third in school history for goal scoring. 

From Tualatin, OR, Stephanie Clark is capable of shutting down the opponent’s offense and making them play her game. She has been with the Jackets since 2001 and has played in 32 games.           

INCOMING RECRUITS:  The new Yellowjackets’ credentials have confirmed that they have the talent to help the team improve.  Kendal Blanc of Lehi, UT, was a captain and led her team to the regional championships and the state quarterfinals as a midfielder.  Kelsey Vinnedge from Great Falls, MT, was a midfielder for her high school and received all-state, MVP and academic honors throughout her high school career.  Out of Grand Junction, CO, Stacie Dix as a defender helped her team make its way to the 2002 district championship.  Ally Taylor from Ojai, CA, can very well play forward and center midfield.  She was the captain for two years at her high school, she has been MVP and offensive player of the year her junior and senior seasons, won three league championships in a row and was recently inducted into the Half of Fame.  The Gatorade Player of the Year in Wyoming, Raquel Macias, of Cheyenne, WY, was a two-time state champion and first team all-state.  Jenny Moellendorf, a midfielder and leading scorer from Green River High School in Green River, WY, was named three-time first team All-Conference and second-team All-State selection.  Amber “Mo” Olson is a transfer student from Walla Walla Community College.  As a midfielder and defensive player she was second team all-conference at WWCC.  Michele Kinzer of Butte, MT is also a transfer student.  She has been voted MVP by both her high school and club teams and was ranked third in Montana for total goals scored in 2001. 

GOALKEEPERS:  Megan Plank from Phoenix, AZ was the captain for Thunderbird High School.  She is a keeper for the Scottsdale Futbol Club and is a two-time regional champion and two-time second team all-region pick.  The other keeper is Alyssa Wolfer from Longmont, CO.  She was the goalkeeper for her high school for four years and plays for the St. Vrain Express and REAL Colorado soccer clubs.

Although the road ahead is filled with several different challenges, the MSUB Women’s Soccer team is confident and ready to meet those difficulties head on.  To do this, it is essential that both the coaches and players unite and work together.  As a team, the Yellowjackets begin their 2003 journey with new players and new goals, but with the same motivation and passion to succeed together.