Ladyjacks Report For Camp
8/5/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
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NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack soccer team reported to campus on Tuesday morning to begin preparation for the upcoming 2014 season. SFA had returns 24 players report, including 19 letterwinners from last season’s Southland Conference championship team.
The Ladyjacks will be issued team gear, take their individual headshots and a team photo Tuesday afternoon before enjoying a team dinner in the evening. SFA will open practice with a fitness test on Wednesday morning before beginning preparation for the Purple vs. White scrimmage to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the SFA Soccer Field.
“This is such an exciting time all across the country,” head coach Wally Crittenden said. “We are ready to get going and get back on the field for sure. We have had some major improvements in our facilities that really help set the stage for what we will demand of our players and the greatness they hope to achieve. I have been asked about what it is like defending the title and what it would mean to win a fourth consecutive championship. Every championship you are fortunate to win is special and it is critical that all of our players and support staff recognize that as special as they are, championships are not related.
“Last year’s results have nothing to do with this year’s goals and the results we will have this year will be reflective of our dedication, and re-dedication, to our process each and every day of this season. Our players understand that and as a staff, it is our job to remind them of that fact and keep them grounded. There is no doubt our kids are hungry and will be motivated to compete throughout pre-season camp as we head into the regular season opener against Oregon State. Get ready, because I have a feeling it is going to a lot of fun.”
Crittenden, the 2013 SLC Coach of the Year, has a lot of excitement around his team entering the upcoming season. SFA cemented itself as the dominant force in the Southland, posting a 10-1-1 record in SLC play last season to pick up its third consecutive and eighth overall regular season title.
Highlighting the returners are seniors Chelsea Raymond and Megan Dunnigan. Raymond, a second team National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Continental Tire All-Central Region, first team All-Southland Conference and All-SLC Tournament selection, enters her final campaign looking to cement her legacy. A native of Irving, Texas, Raymond already holds the all-time career goals record with 40 across her first three seasons. Raymond is also on the cusp of another record mark, career points. Raymond currently sits second all-time with 92 career points, just four off the all-time record (Kylie Louw – 96).
Dunnigan, also a second team NSCAA/Continental Tire All-Central Region, first team All-Southland Conference and All-SLC Tournament selection, has been a standout on the defensive end each of her first three seasons. The native of Round Rock, Texas, Dunnigan played a key part in the SFA defense that set a new single-season record with 14 shutouts last season. With the help of Dunnigan and the rest of the Ladyjack backfield, SFA ranked as high as first in the country in shutout percentage and fourth in goal-against average, ending the season ninth (0.636) and 10th (.520), respectfully.
SFA also returns SLC honorees in Chantal Curry, Brooke Dunnigan, Rachel Owens and Zuri Prince, who each garnered honorable mention. Prince also joined Dunnigan and Raymond on the SLC All-Tournament team.
Following Friday’s scrimmage, the Ladyjacks will host Rice in an exhibition on Aug. 15, before opening the season at home with Oregon State on Aug. 22.
-SFA-
