Sophomore Kelly Nickell shows her intensity as she sprints towards her opponent from Ouachita Baptist University. The Lady Bisons won the Gulf South Conlerence match Oct. 1 O by a score of 2-1. Photo by Daniel Dubois Adjusting to new coaching techniques, two torn anterior cruciate ligaments and a few key losses did not prevent the 2001 women's soccer team from achieving their goals. "We definitely grew closer and bonded better as a team this season," sophomore forward Courtney Saul said. "It was either handling this season and coming together or kill each other. We chose to unite together instead of being individuals." Coming to a young program was challenging for new head coach Greg Harris, a former goalkeeper for North Carolina's Queens College. Harris said that he wanted university soccer to flourish and grow into a renowned athletic program at Harding. Each team member strove to improve her individual skills, which in turn benefited the entire team. Senior stopper Tricky , Tarolesaid she wanted no regrets for her last season; she stayed positive by improving her own game as well as having a good attitude in times of frustration. "I'm used to thinking defensively and then giving the ball to someone else," Tarole said. "But when the time was right, I took an offensive role. I definitely played better both offensively and defensively." Learning to play under a new coach meant welcoming change to the way the girls practiced, played and thought about their position on the practice field. "Coach Harris did a great job of demanding more out of us than we were used to," Saul said. "We worked hard for him instead of slacking off." The season was a learning experience for both the players and the coach as they continued to work and build upon the season. Harris said it was easy for him to be motivated because of a spirit of oneness within the team. "My positive attitude comes from being around the girls," Harris said. "The relationships that we built made the season fun. It's a downer not winning when you are close, but when you still have each other it is all worthwhile." -Tiffany Johnston Photo by Daniel Dubois women's soccer 257
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