While most students at UW-Madison are worried about which classes to drop and complaining about too much homework early in the semester, the Wisconsin women's soccer team (0-1-1) is busy preparing for a long season of intense competition under the command of new head coach Paula Wilkins.
After coaching at Penn State for 13 years, six of which she was the head coach, Wilkins decided to move to Madison just to try something new and to get a change in scenery. She believes her team has great potential and is not willing to take this season lightly. Wilkins' main goals for the season is to see her team get better as the weeks go by and to strive for excellence on and off the field.
At the end of practice Wednesday night, the girls gathered around to listen to Wilkins' closing remarks.
I will be hard on you because I have high expectations of you, and I will continue to raise the bar,"" Wilkins said with enthusiasm.
The energy and encouragement Wilkins demonstrates from the sidelines has been successful so far in the eyes of her players.
""I definitely think coach Wilkins is taking a good approach with being the new coach coming in,"" junior goalkeeper Jamie Klages said. ""Everybody really respects her because she knows what she is talking about.""
Last weekend at the Georgia Tournament, Klages collected a total of 19 saves over the course of two games, demonstrating her strength in the goalie box. She is a transfer from the University of Nebraska and is excited to get her feet wet in the Big Ten.
Klages is not the only player who will enjoy her first regular season home game this weekend at the Wisconsin Invitational Tournament. Eleven freshmen will be stepping onto the McClimon Soccer Complex field as well.
""The freshmen are very good players even though they were a little shaky at the beginning,"" Wilkins said. ""But I think the upperclassmen have given them good leadership and have been leading them into the right direction in order to be successful. I think that if we get them into more games, the more confident they will become.""
""We all are really excited to play on our freshly sodded field, under the lights and in front of the Madison crowd this weekend,"" junior forward Taylor Walsh said.
Senior defender Ann Eshun added, ""I think playing at home will give us some extra momentum, especially this being our first one.""
Walsh and Eshun both attended Madison high schools and have played soccer together since they were young. Wilkins said that she thinks both are leaders on their sides of the field and will be main contributors to the Badgers this season.
Even though Wisconsin will not be hosting any Big Ten teams in its tournament this weekend, conference match-ups are right around the corner.
""The Big Ten is going to be very strong this year and Penn State is always near the top,"" Wilkins said. ""However, it's a well-balanced conference, and it's going to be a battle every game.""
Klages, along with her teammates, believes they will be ready for the Big Ten games coming up and will be successful based on their talent and team chemistry.
""I think the unity of our team is awesome this year,"" Klages said. ""Everyone respects each other, no matter what grade they are. I also think the seniors are really taking charge of the team and they seem to have a handle on what they are doing. It's just mutual respect all around; that's how it works here.""
