Union’s women’s soccer, cross country and golf teams are optimistic about their upcoming seasons.
Women’s Soccer
The women’s soccer team, led by head coach, Isaac Brooks, and assistant coach, Julie Stauffer, aim to compete in the Gulf South Conference and make over 32 goals this year.
“This is probably one of the most fit teams we have had come in for the start of the season, which has translated into some of our early scoring success,” Brooks said.
The players have improved from their summer training in speed and distance running and also at their skills moving off the ball, according to Brooks.
Alex Taylor, senior chemistry major and team captain, serves as one of the smartest players in her defensive role and ability to communicate to teammates on the field. Kayleigh Patterson, sophomore public relations major, and Emily Waggoner, sophomore athletic training major, serve as the other two captains, as both lead well on the field with their talent and hard work.
The team lost three key defensive players from last year’s roster, thus creating a need for new players to fill those spots, and creating a focus on a more offensive style of play for the Lady Bulldogs this year.
“The girls have done well with the change of the personnel, but they have also done well with the change of strategy,” Brooks said.
Cross Country
Hopeful to win in the Gulf South Conference this year, the women’s cross country team is aiming for success with their new players.
The team returns five athletes from last year and brings in five freshmen.
Throughout the summer, team members remain disciplined on their own by running and building muscle strength, and at this point in the season, summer training is beginning to show through in performance.
Head coach, Gary Johnson, and assistant coach, Beth Wilson, comprise the coaching staff. The team has come close to winning the conference meet the past few seasons.
Johnson sees Audrey Hazlehurst, first year pharmacy student, to be a leader this fall.
“We hope to send her out with a national championship meet just like she experienced as a freshman,” Johnson said.
Johnson sees the opportunity to compete against tough teams in the GSC as a good challenge.
“Being able to compete [in 2014] for the championship should motivate our team to put in that little bit of extra work that would allow us to win a conference championship,” Johnson said.
The men’s team consists of nine team members, seven returners and two freshman.
This year, the team is working on becoming more competitive in the Gulf South Conference.
“The quality of [men] we do have on our team is unmatched,” Johnson said.
Will Donelson, sophomore chemistry major, is investing his effort in hopes of reaching NCAA nationals this year.
Women’s Golf
The women’s golf team enters its third year of existence, and after winning two tournaments in 2013, they are very hopeful to make it to the Gulf South Conference Championship this year.
Head coach, Andy Rushing, and graduate assistant, Rachel Clardy, are expecting heavy competition this year.
With only five players able to play in a tournament at a time, the eight player team is driven to compete for the top spots year round.
Lindsay McRee, a junior sports management major, possesses talent that greatly contributes to the team. Rilee Taylor, a sophomore elementary education major, has potential to be one of the best players in the conference, according to Rushing.
Also, due to very few mistakes made in competition, KayCee Lindberg, a sophomore business administration major, contributes consistent scores for the team, Rushing added.
“As new as this program is, there is nothing negative,” Rushing said. “Everything has been tremendously positive so far, and it keeps getting better and better.”
