Mental toughness and leadership development are the main focus as the Racers women’s soccer team prepares for a game against University of Evansville today.
This marks the second game of the Racers’ spring season. Coming off a tournament title win at the Murray State Indoor Tournament in Mayfield, Ky., March 2.
Head Coach Beth Acreman said she is looking to see how her team is coming along. This is the Racers’ first 11 vs. 11 game this season.
Coming off a win, the team is confident and looking forward to taking on the Purple Aces. As the season has progressed the team has been emphasizing leadership in its players.
“The girls are working really hard in the weight room,” Acreman said. “In the spring, there’s only so much you can do with numbers in terms of training big.”
She said the foundation of any successful team relies upon its staffing and player leadership. Acreman and her staff have been working diligently to instill these values in all their players.
Leadership councils, leadership meetings and different exercises help with team building.
As of March 27, the team has signed 11 new players for the fall. The newest addition to the team is Alexa Hosey from the University of Southern Florida.
Hosey redshirted at USF and was also selected to US National Team youth pool.
“Alexa Hosey is an aggressive forward, everything I’ve seen of her has been positive,” Acreman said. “She’s a hard worker, she’s committed and she wants to do well.”
Along with welcoming new players to the team, the Racers will have senior Rebecca Bjorkvall back on the field with them. Bjorkvall is currently recovering from a torn ACL injury. She is hoping to get the green light in May and return to playing in the fall. She is a transfer student from Lindsey Wilson College.
“I love all the team spirit you have with soccer,” Bjorkvall said. “I think it’s important that our team works on strengthening our leadership and teamwork.”
A tough upcoming spring lineup includes three 11 vs. 11 games against
Western Kentucky, Morehead State and University of Evansville. The Racers will return to action against UT Martin April 13.
Story by Laura Kovarik, Staff writer.