Women's soccer try-outs

The women's soccer team held try-outs for high school seniors and enrolled students who are seeking to be part of the intercollegiate women's soccer team on Friday, April 13.

Head coach, Anna Girdwood, was expecting two players to show up; however, she said, "The fact that we got 12 players went beyond my expectations, and if some of them decide to come and join our team it will really help our program."

Maxine Caballero, a sophomore and team captain, added, "I didn't expect many girls, but was glad to see that many decided to show up and that a majority of them were local athletes."

The try-outs began at 2:00 p.m., in the midst of the Laredo heat, where both returning players and new recruits warmed up to prevent any injuries.

The warm up consisted of some jogging, high knees, stretching, and skilled activities such as: scissoring, step over, passing, and controlled feet work.

The girls were then split into their perspective positions and made into four equal teams that consisted of a combination of returning and recruiting players; the teams did small-sided scrimmages and eventually played 11 on 11 using the entire field.

Girdwood said, "All my spots are available, and I was looking for talented players that can improve the team as a whole."

Caballero believed, "Some of the girls seem like they can fit our system because they can provide the skill we need and they bonded with the present team chemistry we already have."

After two hours of performing and being evaluated by Girdwood, the girls were rounded up.

Though names can not be mentioned due to NCAA policies, Girdwood does admit there were some strong players.

Girdwood says, "I expect my returning players to be scared because I have room for recruiting 15 players, basically a complete team, and any position can be given or taken."

"I also expect for the new players to be ready to play and come with a strong work ethic" said Girdwood.

As for next year, the school can expect a women's team ready to perform and compete. Both Girdwood and Caballero agreed on the same goals.

"We want to be a challenge and come out on top of the Heartland Conference" says Girdwood.

irdwood adds, "We have the tactical awareness and the skill, they just need to learn how to utilize it on the field; if we do that, we can have a successful season next year."