@CanesFutbol Captain's Corner: Aug. 4, 2016
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – For the second year in a row, the captains of the University of Miami soccer team will be writing a blog for HurricaneSports.com throughout the season called Captain’s Corner.
Redshirt senior defender Shannon McCarthy, entering her third campaign as a captain, provided the first entry for the 2016 season Thursday. With the team having reported for preseason and practices getting underway, the Brighton, Mich., native provides a look at the team’s preparation and more . . .
Hello, Canes fans. Shannon McCarthy here again for another season of Captain’s Corner! I am grateful to have the opportunity to share some behind-the- scenes action this year. Report day was jam-packed full of meetings, pictures and, our personal favorite, equipment and gear 🙂 adidas has outfitted us nicely this season, which is awesome because one of my many mantras is, “Look good, feel good, play good.”
Saying I am excited for this season is an understatement. I think my teammates would agree with me, as well. The goals our team has in place are certainly attainable and they are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Every time we set foot on the field, we know we are upholding our commitment to becoming better than we were the day before. If we can do that consistently, the winning will take care of itself.
I often get asked if I am sad about this season being my last to where the Miami jersey. My answer is that it is a bittersweet feeling. Entering my fifth year as a Hurricane, I have had a tremendous experience as a student-athlete here. I truly believe this season will be the best. I love my teammates and I believe in all of them. It is an honor to play for a coaching staff that is so deeply committed to advancing the program. My teammates and coaches have helped mold me into the leader and, more importantly, the person I am today.
Words cannot describe how proud I am of my teammates. All of the girls have bought in and want to do whatever it takes to find success on the field. The attitude in the locker room is positive and the work rate on the field is extremely high. My teammates are an absolute joy to be around. I’ll let you in on the biggest secret on being a captain: It’s not about you. Leadership is entirely selfless; it’s all about the team.
The team is off to a fantastic start of preseason. The girls have done exceptionally well on the fitness tests. Each training session is filled with intensity and competition. It is a blessing leading a team that is so eager to give its full effort day in and day out. Each time we take the field we know we’re getting better as a team. Our first exhibition game is August 11th against UCF, which will be a great test for the progress of the team.
Stay tuned to hear from my co-captain, Gianna Dal Pozzo!
