TicketsAug. 20, 2008
By Mary Archambeault
The University of Cincinnati women's soccer team welcomes aboard a new head coach for the 2008 season. Michelle Salmon, who gained much success in two years as the head coach at Ball State and another six years prior to that at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, takes on a the task of leading the Bearcats to a BIG EAST title.
"We want to make it a winning culture," Salmon said. She explained that the winning mentality has always been here, but the key to success is being able to incorporate that mentality into the player's everyday lifestyle. "We live for today in total and complete confidence that we will be playing in the future," said Salmon.
Looking back at the past few seasons, the records that have been posted haven't been ones to remember. However, Salmon confidently states that all of that will have no bearing on their future. "We don't care much about our past."
Instead, Salmon keeps her team focused on those things which they can control, which is why they go out every practice with a BIG EAST Championship in mind. "Every day is a championship for these guys," said Salmon.
Although reaching those goals will be a tough task, the are ready for the challenge. Andrea Kaminski , starting junior goalkeeper, wants to be worked hard. "You can never be satisfied. We may think we look good out there, but it's never good enough."
In actuality, their lack of recent success may actually play into their favor this year according to Salmon. "Not a lot of people are going to give us a fair shake in the BIG EAST," said Salmon, thinking they may be able to fly under the radar for a bit and surprise a few teams.
Last season, six of the ten losses were by just one goal. "We had a lot of close games," said Kaminski, reminiscing about two that they lost in double overtime. She believes that the winning attitude coach Salmon has instilled in the team can give them an edge this year.
Kaminski, who is also a team captain, is excited about the new approach Salmon has brought to the program. "The culture of our team has changed. Everyone is all on one page now."
"Leadership is pivotal," said Salmon, and Kaminksi is among many leaders Salmon is relying upon for this upcoming season. "We have quality players. The leadership on this team is irreplaceable."
Kim Sykes, Lindsey Noteboom, Kristin May and Erin MacDonald are a few others she looks at to fill leadership roles on and off the field.
Expectations may be high, but they vary from player to player. Ultimately, the team's success won't be graded by wins and losses, but by how they go about their business. "We can go out and beat a team 3-0, but if we don't do it the right way, we're not satisfied with the result."
With a complete attitude makeover, the women's soccer team looks to turn the tables and start a streak of success that they know they're capable of.
"It's not a matter of can you be successful, it's a matter of when are you going to be successful," said Salmon.
For Salmon and her team, they look for that success to start this season.