WICHITA FALLS, Texas - The Midwestern State women's soccer program continued its evolution into a national contender over the past couple of seasons.
A vital cog to the successful formula has boiled down to the leadership provided by upperclassmen.
"I've always been shown good leadership from upperclassmen and I know especially for these new freshmen coming in that can be really overwhelming," senior center back Hanna Staley said. "It's always nice to look up to those one or two people who are always positive and strong. A voice that's says it's going to be OK and help work through it."
The leadership has driven the Mustangs to their first two NCAA Division II postseason appearances in each of the last two years including a Lone Star Conference championship in 2011 and the league's regular season title in 2010.
The senior mentorship has been passed on from the likes of All-Americans such as Kendra Clemons in 2010 and onto the dynamic forward duo of all-time leading scorer Kelsey Hill and Lindsay Pritchard last season.
The Mustangs' core of leadership this season will most likely come from a willing trio of captains in Staley as well as senior goalkeeper Mallory Whitworth and senior forward Maddie Fraser.
"I know me and the other two captains as well as the juniors try to be that person and be an example no matter how hard it gets," Staley said.
A willingness to not only lead through words but show discipline through the action of preparation through a physical training routine.
"We had planned morning workouts at Monday through Thursday (during the summer). Two of those days and other two were agilities and lifting," Whitworth said. "We had the weekend off but Hanna, Maddie and I just went to the Wellness Center to do individual stuff. The break was just too long for the four days.
"As I've gotten older, I've realized I need to be in better shape than I was my freshman year. Now that I'm a senior, I want to be a leader."
Staley took to her fitness routine after battling back from sitting out a season after suffering a hip injury in her freshman season of 2008.
"It took me a while get back into shape but I knew I did not want to go through that again," she said also admitting to another advantage of staying in shape. "There have been times where I've taken an offseason not as serious and it's a lot harder to get in shape once you bring soccer into it. If you're in shape, then it makes the technical stuff a lot easier because if you're out of shape then stuff gets sloppy."
It's that kind of work ethic that has helped Staley become an All-American the last two seasons and has elevated Whitworth to an All-LSC honors in each of her three seasons at MSU as well as an NSCAA and Daktronics All-South Central Region nod in 2010.
"Being recognized is always really nice," Staley said. "As a defender, we don't always get the glory and if we lose it’s our fault. Our goal each game is get a shutout. Being individually recognized sets that standard and makes me want to work even harder. It shows the other girls that even if you aren't the leading scorer that you can still stand out and make big contributions to our team."
CAMP NOTES
PHOTO DAYS: Attention Parents! Photo Day for Football is set for Sunday, Aug. 19 while Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer and Volleyball is set for Monday, Aug. 20.
Lifetouch Sports offers many packages with two easy ways to order. You can either order online at lifetouchsports.com before photo or student-athletes must purchase and order packages on photo day (cash/check only).
To pre-order online, go to www.lifetouchsports.com then select the ORDER NOW button under Order Before Picture Day. Next, enter the Picture Day ID of TX01-2-002-X0 and click on SUBMIT. Begin shopping.
To resolve issues, please contact Lifetouch Sports customer support at (940) 692-9691.
COUNTDOWN TO OPENERS
WOMEN'S/MEN'S SOCCER/VOLLEYBALL -- 14 DAYS: Women's Soccer opens the year against No. 10 Fort Lewis (Colo.) as part of the MSU Classic on Friday, Aug. 31 at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. West Texas A&M and Colorado Mesa lead off the classic earlier in the afternoon at 3 p.m. The MSU Men's Soccer team takes on Texas A&M International at 7 p.m. to complete the tripleheader.
FOOTBALL -- 22 DAYS: No. 4 Midwestern State opens the regular season at Tarleton State on Saturday, Sep. 8at Memorial Stadium in Stephenville, Texas. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
ON TAP
SIXTH ANNUAL WELCOME BACK DINNER: The Sixth Annual Midwestern State Athletics Welcome Back Dinner features former Dallas Cowboys legendary quarterback Danny White as the guest speaker on Sunday, Aug. 26 at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
Reserve your spot now for the Sixth Annual Midwestern State Athletics Welcome Back Dinner by submitting $70 for an individual sponsorship. Additional seats are available for $40. For more information, contact Sheri Mummert at (940) 397-4779.
LIFE SKILLS DAY WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER KEN "COACH" CARTER: The inspiration for the awarding winning movie Coach Carter is slated as the keynote speaker for Midwestern State University Athletics' Third Annual Life Skills Day set for Saturday, Aug. 25.
The general public is invited to attend the event set for 6 p.m. at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
THIS WEEKEND
- Football opens its two-a-day with a scrimmage session Saturday morning at the MSU practice fields. The Mustangs practice at 9:20 a.m. and 4:50 p.m. before enjoying a day away from the field on Sunday.
- Volleyball hits the road to compete in the Texas Wesleyan Tournament Saturday in Fort Worth. The Mustangs take on Tyler JC and Navarro JC before taking an off day on Sunday.
- Led by goals from Andrew Power and VcMor Eligwe, the MSU men's soccer team defeated Oklahoma City University 2-0 in an exhibition game on Friday. The Mustangs have Saturday off before returning for two workouts at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
- Women's Soccer travels for a scrimmage at Dallas Baptist Saturday morning before returning for a planned night training session Sunday at 6 p.m.
