The Dartmouth women's soccer team is hoping a strong recruiting class and some good depth will be enough to replace the four graduating seniors and propel it to regain the Ivy Title it held two years ago.
Leaving the ranks are only four players, but Coach Steve Swanson described the loss to graduation as "one of quality, not quantity." Fortunately, the losses are spread throughout the entire field, and no one area will be void of experience.
On the defensive side, the Big Green will miss co-Captain Michelle Conroy '95 in goal. In the midfield, the team loses co-Captain Mya Mangawang '95 and Maggie Essman '95, outside and inside players, respectively. And offensively, the Big Green lose forward Brittanny Boulanger '95.
While the graduation of these four players will leave holes both on and off the field, the depth of the team will enable younger players to step up.
The co-captains for next year, Holly Thomas '96 and Kate Andrews '96, both feel the holes can be filled. "We feel our team is strong and has a lot of depth," Thomas said. "So there are people who can step up and fill in the gaps."
A strong recruiting class will also help the team next fall. According to Swanson, this year's recruits are in a good position because they will not be pressured to play right away. The team has solidified its depth over the last couple of years, and this will give younger players the chance to develop.
Swanson praises this year's recruiting class as hard working, and he believes they will fit in well with the rest of the team.
Three recruits will solidify the team's defense. In the goaltender position, the team will acquire some depth with the addition of Carrie Bourdon, from Fort Collins, Col. Swanson describes the 5-foot10-inch Bourdon as a "quick goalie with good experience who will only improve over time."
April Rosala, from Newton, Mass., will play as a flank defender. A track and soccer star for a powerful Newton North team, Rosala is"physically strong and good in the air and as a tackler," Swanson said.
Suzanne Eastman, from Long Island, NY, plays the back position as well. Eastman currently competes for the New York State team and is described as "athletic and very strong in the air."
Two players will give the team some flexibility in the midfield. Laura Heinichen, from Cincinnati, Ohio, plays midfield inside but also has the ability to play back. Swanson describes her as a "powerful, strong player."
Katie Hearey also plays in both the midfield and back positions. A central player, Swanson said she is"a player with very good skills who reads the game very well." Hearey recently attended an intensive training programin Bolivia.
Jess Prairie from California will give the team some offensive depth. She plays in both the forward and midfield positions. According to Swanson, she is "creative, quick, and offensive oriented."
The solid recruiting class and the return of some experienced younger players give the Big Green a good shot at regaining theIvy League Title. Spring practices are going well, according to Thomas. "The team has a great attitude and is working really hard on and off the field," Thomas said.
Despite some disappointments last year, the team has a good attitude about next fall.
"Although we are missing a large portion of our team the spring has been very good," Andrews said. "We had a rough fall and the team seems to have found a groove where we can work hard and still have fun."
"We are ready to show what Dartmouth soccer is all about. Last year we lost a few games we think we could have won," Thomas said. "These really cost us and hopefully this year we will have improved enough to win those tight battles."
