Newcomers and returners creating competition for women’s soccer

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon volleyball team, men's and women's soccer teams and men's and women's cross country teams began preseason practice on Aug. 17.

Updates for each team's preseason are being featured this week. Volleyball began the week on Monday. Today's featured team is women's soccer.

Women's Soccer

The women's soccer team began preseason practice with a roster of 36 players. Included in the group are 29 newcomers.

The Lady Hawks are coming off a 3-12-3 season and their first appearance in the USA South Athletic Conference Tournament.

Huntingdon opens the season on Sept. 1 against Centenary in the Millsaps Tournament.

Head Coach Matt Gill on having 29 newcomers and a total of 36 players on the roster: "I feel like our new players and returners are creating a competitive atmosphere. It's challenging at times to do some things in practice, but it is a good environment for players to work hard and figure out a lot about themselves in terms of sacrifice and what they need to do in training."

Gill on preseason progress: "We're a work in progress. With so many young players, the biggest thing has been for us to have consistency. Every day, we've tried to come in, work hard and try to develop a new system and new ideas with the girls."

Gill on the potential he sees in the preseason: "I think we have some pieces. We have enough players that we can move them around and try some different lineups playing 11 v. 11 every day. That has definitely helped in finding different players, seeing where they can play and trying out different things. We're definitely excited for what we have and we want to continue to grow and build."