A Great Year for USF Women's Soccer

Nov. 9, 2004

Once the disappointment of not making the post season sinks in, the USF Dons and their supporters can look back on the 2004 season and take great pleasure in the impressive achievements that they have accomplished.

Overall, the Dons have posted their best statistical season in 7 years and their ability to hold their own in the ultra-competitive West Coast Conference (WCC), exemplified why this team is considered by many as a team on the rise. USF finished the season with a 10-7-3 total record, while posting an impressive 3-4-0 WCC record. The 10 overall wins and and the three conference victories both represent the programs best since 1997. Moreover, the Dons fourth place finish in the WCC is their best placing since that very same 1997 season.

Upon reflection, Head Coach Pamela Kalinoski had this to say as she tried to summarize her feelings on the now completed season, "I'm really proud of the way our team played this year. We competed in every game and put in the requisite effort expected from an elite collegiate team. Our accomplishments this season reinforce my belief that we are very close to entering the premier level of college soccer. This season was very big step in the right direction."

This past week marked the end of the road for six USF seniors. MacKenzie Kerr, Alexis Moren, Annika Schmidt, Alana Heally, Laura Ott and Stephanie Beall all played large rolls in turning the USF women's soccer program into a future WCC powerhouse. Schmidt, one of the collegiate soccer's most talented players and a member of the 2003 All-West Coast Conference second team. Schmidt finishes her two-year USF career with 28 total points (8G, 12A).

For goalkeeper Stephanie Beall, this season she established career-highs in virtually every goalkeeping category including wins (10), shutouts (6) and saves (82). Additionally, Beall's finishes her career at USF with 13 total shutouts, one shutout away from first place in the USF record books.

Alana Healy, the fifth-year USF defender and the 2004 Coca-Cola Community Service All American was understandably emotional after the season concluded, but she was able to put the season in perspective when she said, "Although we did not make the post season, I am at least happy to know that I am leaving the program in excellent shape. The dedication from our coaches all the way down our roster leads me to believe that that something great will happen at USF in the near future. As for me, my career as a Don was fantastic, and the many friends and memories that have come as a result of being on the team will stay with me forever."

Other USF players who had career seasons were midfielder Stephanie Gray along with forwards Chelsea Hunt and Shuree Hyatt.

Stephanie Gray, perhaps the teams most improved player from last season became an offensive weapon in her third year at USF. Gray, finished the season tied for third in team scoring with 14 points, while leading the team in assists with six. A highlight of the season for Gray was her three-assist hat trick that came against Weber State early in September, and her game-wining goal two weeks ago against Hawaii.

Meanwhile, Sophomore's Chelsea Hunt and Shuree Hyatt both had excellent seasons for the Dons, finishing in first and second place respectively in team scoring. Hunt, an exceptional athlete with impressive physical skills led the team with nine goals and 21 total points. Hunt, recorded her second hat trick of her USF career on September 4, against Weber State. Moreover, Hunt recorded five game winning goals for the Dons this season, which is a testament to the absolutely commanding season that she had.

Many of the same adjectives to describe Hunt, can easily be used to describe her best friend, Shuree Hyatt also a 2003 All-West Coast Conference second team member. Hyatt, finished the season with eight goals and three assists, for 19 total point. Her ability to put constant pressure on opposing defenders led to numerous scoring chances for the second year player. Hyatt and Hunt will be a monster duo for the Dons in future years.

With the Dons now heading into the off-season, many of this year's freshmen's will be looked upon to make large improvements to their game, as they will become more relied upon. Lauren Tweet, Lindsay Swisher, Kara Breithaupt, Fiona O'Sullivan and Katie Hoban all played major roles in 2004 and their progress will closely monitored by Pamela Kalinoski.

"This year's freshmen class really made huge contributions to this team. Kara Breithaupt played every minute of the season and that needs to be recognized. For Lauren Tweet, her breakout game against Pepperdine, where she scored three points is something we are looking to see consistently from her next year. In terms of Fiona, she definitely has the ability, it is just a matter of her getting the necessary experience in order to better realize her potential." Said Kalinoski.

Ultimately, the 2004 soccer season for the USF Dons can be considered a great success. Their impressive turnaround from previous season is a reflection of a team on the rise. After this year improvement, there is no question that special things lie in store for the Dons in the future. In 2004, the Dons truly began, "climbing the ladder."