The womens soccer program continues to make strides, but each season the expectations — and obstacles — appear larger than ever. Perhaps that’s fitting however for Head Coach Mike Tucker because that’s the way he likes it. With most of the players from his Sweet Sixteen team returning and a stellar recruiting class, there’s more than enough to get the job done in 2002, provided the small and important details get ironed out in time. Here’s what Coach Tucker had to say when we posed these and others questions to him.

UDP: Before we talk about the 2002 season, perhaps a comment or two on 2001. Obviously, it was a milestone year that saw the Flyers reach the Sweet 16 and secure a national ranking. After a shaky start against strong opponents, the UD swept the A-10 and proved to many that there was life after Missy Showtime Gregg. What will prove to be the ultimate legacy of this team five or ten years from now?

MT: All of the preseason and early season woes made the middle to end of the season all that much sweeter. It really was an enjoyable experience to see a great group of young ladies pull together to overcome the odds. I will certainly remember them for being the closest and most mentally tough team that I have coached. I believe that they will be remembered in the long run as the team that put UD soccer on the national map.

UDP: The good news is so many players with experience return this year. However, you said goodbye to three seniors who perhaps meant more to the team than any other trio. Their leadership proved to be priceless, nevermind their on-field skills. Another starter has also elected to not return. Overall, what’s the state of the union on returning player personnel and how does it compare to years past?

MT: We will miss our graduated seniors, Bushman, McKnight, and Walker and what would have been a returning starter in Kara Kenney, who has elected to transfer closer to her home. From a talent standpoint, however, we should be able to match up quite favorably with last year. The big question mark would have to be how well our younger players mesh with our returnees. Preseason and pre-conference matches will be very important in helping to determine the best “chemistry”. We may take a look at some different alignments, etc. Our players will have to accept and embrace some change.

UDP: Once again, it appears the Flyer defense will be among the best anywhere. The cornerstone of it is reigning A-10 Defensive Player of the Year Erin Showalter, but she has a lot of help, and more help is on the way from the newcomers. Yet, nobody in the back line will be a senior except for GK Steph Weisenfeld. How much optimism does the coaching staff have in this area and is it too much to expect the defense to be even better in 2002?

MT: I am very confident that our defensive third will perform very well. Leah Phelps had a very good spring. A couple of our incoming frosh will challenge for starting positions immediately. Of course, we return four of the five starters in the back, and they should be a year better. Stephanie and Erin give us a great duo up the middle, and Nina DiGuardi and Jen Simonetti are outstanding. We will have two freshmen who could start immediately. Yes, we can definitely be better!

UDP: This year’s recruiting class appears to be the best ever, with every signee a potential impact player in their first year. It’s obvious that you put a premium on scoring goals in this year’s incoming players. Briefly comment on the signees and what they will immediately bring to the team. Who should fans keep a particular eye on?

MT: It’s difficult to rate the recruits until they step on the field and show their stuff. But, you are correct in your assessment of them as potential impact players. Who will make the most immediate impact will really be dependent more on which upperclassmen do not come in ready to go. Competition in preseason has proved very interesting!

UDP: Joining Showalter on the preseason All-Conference team are Weisenfeld, sophomore midfielder Tesia Kozlowski, and senior midfielder Shannon Kuhl. Will these players prove to be the main targets for other teams or will that end up a dangerous strategy for opponents? Is Weisenfeld finally getting her overdue respect inside and outside the league?

MT: Hooray for our A-10 coaches in finally recognizing Stephanie’s abilities and accomplishments. It would be nice if she received some much-deserved press, but I am sure that she is far more concerned with how we perform as a team. That really has been the attitude of all of our players, and it is a big reason for our success. I hope that our opponents focus on only a few players … I cannot imagine someone else NOT stepping up.

UDP: Three things come to mind this year personnel-wise. First is the leadership of Weisenfeld in goal. Second is the continued development of Beth McHugh in the offense. Third is the play of Judi Aschenbrener late last year who showed signs of becoming the dominating striker she showcased as a HS All-American. Can fans expect bigger and better things from all three this year?

MT: I don’t know how Stephanie could play much better than she already has shown. But I do expect her, as well as Liz Brown, as our captains to step up in the leadership area. Judi had a very good spring and I feel like she is ready to play a bigger role in the attack. Beth’s speed is such a threat to our opponents at all times, and she will be utilized both on the outside of the midfield and up top when we play with three frontrunners. I would be pleased if Judi and Beth equaled the offensive output of departed seniors McKnight and Bushman!

UDP: The schedule is once again challenging, especially the non-conference portion. Unlike last year however, most of the major obstacles must visit Baujan Field, including Marquette, Georgetown, Michigan State, Wright State, Richmond, UMass, and Rhode Island. Overall, is the schedule favorable and what chances do the Flyers have away from home against the likes of strong opponents Illinois, Evansville, and Oakland?

MT: We open the season ranked high regionally and also nationally. This schedule offers us the chance to prove that we belong in the top twenty. Having several tough home matches is a big plus. I feel like all of our out of conference matches are almost even matches. It’s now up to us to step up both at home and on the road … and I think that we will!

UDP: What are the keys to the season? Where are the Flyer strengths and what issues need to be resolved by the season opener if UD wishes to get off to a great start?

MT: The two biggest keys to the season are finding someone to take the lead as a goal scorer and in how quickly we are able to find and develop the proper rotation of players. Every year the pre-conference matches give us the opportunity to develop this rotation. Finding a starting eleven that “clicks” early on would give us a chance to do well against the tough schedule leading up to A-10 play. Of course, winning the A-10 is always a goal, and staying relatively healthy throughout the year is a key in that regard. Our depth at every position is a major strength and should help us overcome any injuries. Finding someone to put the ball in the net will be as a result of training and daily competition

UDP: Finish this sentence. “The Flyers will be NCAA-bound again if…”

MT: … we don’t lose track of what got us there, namely a great work ethic and terrific team chemistry.