GREENVILLE, Pa. – The Tomcats enter the 2010 season with a new but familiar face at the helm. Andy Hoggarth, who has been the men’s soccer head coach for the past three years, will coach the women’s team as well this coming season.
“We will be taking a more disciplined approach this season,” said Hoggarth. “We are going to develop the team in all aspects: from conditioning and game day preparation, to tactical and organizational aspects of their game as well.”
Goalkeeper and three-time All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) selection, Jill Harry (Aliquippa, Pa./Hopewell), will once again be the anchor for the tomcat defense.
“In women’s soccer, the goalie can change the game single-handedly, “ remarked Hoggarth, “and we are very lucky to have Jill on our side because not only is she the backbone of our defense, but I don’t believe we will see a better goal-keeper than her all season.”
Along with Harry, Thiel will once again look to veteran leadership as they return 12 players from last year’s roster. On the defensive side of the ball, the upperclassmen are headlined by junior defender Rebecca Quinet (Girard, Pa./Girard).
When asked about his junior defender, Hoggarth said, “Rebecca never gives up. She gives 110% not only in every game, but in every practice as well; and that will be a great example for the incoming freshman as well as for the other upperclassmen.”
On the offensive side of the ball, sophomore forward Karen Galina Wolfe (Troy, Pa./Troy) is looking to have a breakout season. “She was really good as a freshman,” said coach Hoggarth, “we expect her to only get better, and with the talent level of our team continuing to grow she will have a lot of help; but she also makes everyone around her better with her attitude and her great play.”
Coach Hoggarth is also excited about the incoming recruiting class. “With 15 incoming freshman, you can be sure that they will push the upperclassmen to get better and will be a great base to build around in the years to come.”
With five of their first six games at home, the tomcats will look to get their season off to a fast start behind their new head coach, veteran players, and a plethora of young talent.
“We are very excited for the season to start,” said Hoggarth, “we believe that this season is going to be the start of a new direction for the women’s soccer program.