Lady Hawks working for continued success

By Vic Jerald

Sports Information Assistant

MONTGOMERY, Ala.  – The Huntingdon women's soccer team had a taste of success last season.

This season, head coach Matt Gill wants to make sure his team understands the daily dedication required to have continued success.

After setting Huntingdon's NCAA-era record for wins in a season with an 11-7-1 record and reaching the USA South Athletic Conference quarterfinals, the Lady Hawks know they will have to work hard to repeat that success this season.

Huntingdon opens the season this weekend with two games in Sewanee, Tenn. The Lady Hawks play Sewanee on Friday at 6 p.m. and Berry College at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Head Coach Matt Gill on the mindset his team needs to carry into the season: "I'm looking for us to have a tough mentality and to continue to work hard every day. There was a lot of work that went into what we accomplished last season and it's going to take more work and more commitment as we move forward. Teams are not going to take us lightly and we're going to face adversity. We have to be prepared to battle through the adversity."

Gill on the experience level of his team: "We have girls in our program that have been in our system and know what our expectations are. We have two seniors, two juniors and 20 sophomores that tasted some success last season. That's good. But now the transition for these girls is to learn that you earn success with hard work every day."

Gill on stressing a team mentality: "We're focusing on the team this season. We definitely have individuals who have done well, but we are really trying to focus on the group and not the individual.

"One thing we're doing different this season is that every Monday we will name two captains to represent us for the week. These will be players who have worked hard, have exhibited the traits of a good teammate, are doing the right things for the program and are serving others in a great way. This will be a reflection of what we believe, which is every player on the team has a role and leadership quality that can be brought out at any point throughout the year."