Excitement is surrounding the Freed-Hardeman University soccer program as they begin their 2003 campaign. It does not take long when you talk with Head Coach Jason Elliott to see that he is excited about his teams. “This will be the finest teams that Freed-Hardeman has ever had,” said Coach Elliott. The Lions and Lady Lions had much improved seasons in 2002. Still, both teams are hoping to surprise some people in 2003. “Our players have set high goals for themselves and I expect them to work unbelievably hard to achieve their goals,” said Coach Elliott.

Incoming freshmen are expected to make major impacts on both squads, according to Coach Elliott. On the men’s side, five freshmen and one transfer were brought in to help bolster an already young team. Stephen Walker, David Oldham, Caleb Jones, Casey Jennings, Paavo Tucker, and Rodolpho Herrera are all expected to make immediate contributions. On the women’s side, six freshmen were brought in including: Lauren Johnson, Kimberly Rowe, Erin Leddy, Sarah Bennie, Amber Graham, and Brianna Turner. “Both teams are very young as we have 19 freshmen or sophomores on the men’s side and 16 on the women’s side,” said Coach Elliott. “A key to the teams this year will be the leadership we need from our more experienced players like Heather Mackenzie, Shelley Rowe, Jeremy Insell, and Brandon Edwards. These players have seen how far these programs have come and I don’t expect them to let us lose any momentum we have built from last year’s team.”

The men’s and women’s fall schedules include many interesting matches. Friday, September 5th will be the first home matches as the men play Virginia Intermont College and the women take on Harris-Stowe State College. Other important home matches include: September 16 against Harding University, September 28 against Berry College, October 11 against Union University, October 14 against Lyon College, and October 28 against Oakland City University.

“This will be an exciting year for Freed-Hardeman Soccer. On paper we look much improved but until we prove it on the pitch it is all meaningless,” said Coach Elliott. “I am proud of the quality individuals we recruit into this program who are interested in their physical and spiritual development. During the course of the year a team needs some huge breaks to be successful but we plan on working hard enough to make our breaks happen for us. Our aim is to build a program of excellence here at FHU. We are starting our fourth year of soccer here and our goal is to prove that we belong. It is time for us to prove ourselves and I am confident that we will be ready.”