Soccer Completes First Week of Training Camp
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The University of Miami soccer team completed its first week of preseason training in preparation for its fall schedule, and head coach Mary-Frances Monroe says her staff is impressed with the results.
“I think the team knows they’re in a good place right now. We’ve told them they’re going to be the fittest team people are going to play against,” Monroe said. “Our players have really bought into that culture. They did what they were supposed to do this summer, and now we can focus on soccer.”
Monroe says that her recently named trio of captains – seniors Ashley Flinn and Maddie Simms, alongside junior Shannon McCarthy – will play a pivotal role in maintaining that mentality moving forward through the preseason.
“I think that the three of them this summer really stepped up in a leadership role in regards to organizing our team,” Monroe said. “[Coaches] can’t work with them in the summer, so they did a great job structuring our players and getting across the culture of what Miami soccer is all about.”
Monday’s scrimmage against USF (1 p.m.) will mark the team’s first true barometer against outside competition. Another exhibition with North Florida (Fri., Aug. 15) follows before the season opener on the road (Aug. 22) at in-state rival Florida.
“I’m very excited about what I’ve seen so far over the first few days,” Monroe said.
Miami returns a plethora of talent in its projected starting lineup, but a number of newcomers have made a name for themselves through the first week – including junior transfer Natalie Moik, freshman forward Grace Rapp and freshman goalkeeper Phallon-Tullis Joyce.
Moik played two seasons at VCU before arriving to Miami this fall.
“She’s just been exceptional in training,” Monroe said of Moik. “You can tell she has international experience. She’s very smart. She’s easy to play with. I think she’s going to fill a big role for us this fall.”
Despite not seeing her play live prior to her arrival, Monroe said that Rapp has done an impressive job handling target forward duties.
“She has really showed me a lot…to step into an environment where she shows a comfort level was very impressive,” Monroe said. “She’s playing up top, she’s a target right now, and she’s doing a great job holding the ball and creating scoring opportunities.”
Miami has a number of talented players at the goalkeeper position, and Tullis-Joyce – one of the nation’s top-rated keepers – is looking to continue that trend.
“Phallon has been doing a great job getting acclimated to the change of pace of the game,” Monroe said. “Everything is a bit stronger and harder, and she’s doing a good job.”
The Hurricanes will battle the Bulls at Cobb Stadium on 1 p.m. Monday.
