The NCC women’s soccer team is looking to “break the trend and get a winning season this year,” said Head Coach Andrew Gamarra.
With the season beginning later this week, the team will start to work towards accomplishing their team motto “Earn Everything” by earning a win this weekend.
The team is predicted to place fourth in the CCIW (College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin) for the 2019 soccer season.
“It’s good that we are starting to get recognition from other coaches. To be placed that high has not been traditional for North Central. Typically, they have been fifth or sixth. It’s a first in my coaching time here that we are placed that high, but the girls need to stay present and think game to game,” said Gamarra.
Last year the team finished in sixth place, with a 3-4-1 conference record and a 7-9-1 overall record.
Looking to improve their record this season, they have a few goals they hope to accomplish this year. Their three main goals are to have a winning season, make the conference tournament and make the national tournament.
In hopes of accomplishing them, the team has really worked on their cohesiveness. With most of the team being composed of returning players, they have more experience than they have in the past.
“Our team chemistry is much better than the years before,” said Gamarra.
Also contributing to more team cohesiveness, the team took a trip to Italy this summer.
“Any time you can take those types of trips, it helps with team bonding and team chemistry,” said Gamarra. “It’s not so much playing games or practicing and training but more about the team getting to know each other and bonding, which makes a huge difference.”
The team will be taking another trip to Seattle to start off their season this Friday, Aug. 30 against Whitman College. They will then face Whitworth University that following Saturday at 12 p.m.
