TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

What are the keys to having a successful playoff run in the Mid-American Conference Tournament?
Right now, I think we are playing well and finishing well. If you look at the stats, we’ve averaged three goals per game in our last three regular season games. If we continue with that same pattern and play a bit tighter defense, I think we’ll be fine. We’ve also got to take it one step at a time.

How much does it help to have a number of players on your team that already have some postseason experience?
It’s something similar to what you see in the differences between your senior class and your freshmen. Those players that have been there have a purpose and a taste of what the MAC Tournament is like – and that makes a difference. The key is to have had a taste, and that brings out a sense of desire.

Your team closed out the regular season on a three-game winning streak. What has enabled the late-season success?
As a coach, I think it’s a sense of attitude on the part of the team. We’ve outshot a number of our opponents, but we’ve had trouble scoring goals. The problem was the final decision that was being made – taking another dribble versus a shot and vice versa. The team is really working hard and we’re now starting to put it all together. We have to continue that.

Why is the NCAA Tournament as focal point for your team?
Other than in basketball or softball, I can’t think of any other Western New York teams that have made it to an NCAA Tournament. As a team, it would generate a great deal of pride to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. It also opens the door for recruits to come in if they know the program is successful. To parallel it to basketball, look at the recognition Gonzaga has gotten on a national level as of late. Qualifying would also be great for the university as a whole and for Western New York, as well.

Anna-Lesa Calvert has been solid in net for your team in the latter portion of the season. Talk about what she has added to your team.
Tex – as we call her – has really come into her own. This is really her first year of competition, and she was bound to be tentative in the first half of the season. Now, she’s taken on a leadership role and makes people in front of her accountable, which is great.

Discuss the team defense concept that you employ.
My philosophy has always been one of ball movement and ball control. When we are defending, we want numbers behind the ball. When we lose the ball, there is a major commitment to initiate pressure to enable our other players to get behind the ball. A lot of it is about discipline.

As you mentioned before, your team scored nine goals in the last three regular season games. What has keyed the end-of-season offensive success?
It has been working in part because players are trusting their sense of responsibility. The process has become more instinctive to them, instead of them thinking too much. If we’re taking shots on net, they are bound to go in eventually – that’s what our team is now finding.

Talk about the five seniors on your squad.
Those seniors were also a part of the banner that is hanging in Alumni Arena. They have paid their dues in a sense, regardless what happens this season. Unfortunately, two of them – Andrea Sullivan and Emily Cox – are injured. The other three have been very important to this team. Meaghan Maul is one of our captains and has always given quality time. Megan Hosey is a pillar of our defense and always gives 120 percent. Elizabeth Pfeffer is the quarterback of our midfield and does everything for us. We will miss all five of those leaders.

When does the recruiting process start for you and your staff?
It’s already been well underway. We are already looking at our 2004 recruits. Usually, we will have a class based on five or six scholarship players, but we also entertain a similar number of walk-ons.

You’ve said that your coaching philosophy can be summed up in the Biblical passage Colossians 3:23-24. Can you explain why?
I think what is lacking in athletes is their understanding of a greater purpose. Young people are religious, but may not have a spiritual relationship. That passage emphasizes that whatever you do, it should be done for God.

- The ‘10 Questions with…’ feature is compiled by Geoff Nason.