The main goal for Panther women’s soccer team is to build on their 11 win season from 2010 and make the NCAA tournament this year. This is a feat that fourth year coach Craig Newman sees as a strong possibility.
“The program has just been built, it’s relatively new,” said Newman before a game against City College of New York that ended up being canceled. “A big season is what we want, but the NCAA tournament is our goal. If we get there that’s a bonus.”
The Panthers are trying to capture the Skyline Conference title this season.
The Panthers are respected throughout the league. According to Harris Rappel, assistant athletic director, the 2011 Skyline coaches’ poll predicted that the Panthers will finish fourth, something that Newman thinks is a fair assessment.
“We have ten freshmen so yes I guess it’s a fair assessment of us. Third could have been better, but I think some people picked us fourth only because we lost a first round playoff game last year by the score of 1-0,” Newman said.
Newman is excited by his teams’ potential and thinks that they will just keep getting stronger as the years go by.
“I think building a new program was key,” said Newman. “Our wins and loss records are getting better as the years go by. We’re stronger than last year despite losing people to transferring. We’re talking to seniors in high school now hoping to attract more kids to come here and play soccer,” he said.
Newman also added that the Panthers attract women from as far as Michigan and Maryland who want to come and play soccer for them.
One big player to watch this season is forward JoAnna Kettle from Hauppauge, New York who won the rookie of the year in her freshman season. Now as a sophomore, she’s someone Newman is relying on to help his team reach its goals.
“I’ve known JoAnna since she was 17 when she played on my club team based out of Hicksville,” said Newman. “I knew she’d have a big year last year but I don’t think she knew how big of a year she’d have,” he said. “But it’s going to be tough for her to score this year, she’s a marked girl.”
Newman will also rely on veterans Cassandra Esposito (forward) and midfielder Jarelis Torres. As for his goalies, Newman is relying on freshman Heather Grosso and Caitlin Thomas.
Newman said Grosso had tendonitis so Thomas is the main goal keeper for the next couple of weeks.
“Caitlin is taking the bull by the horns,” said Newman. She’s had a solid campaign thus far and should have a great year. She’s played some great games so far,” he said.
The Panthers have a team that is progressing positively through the years. They’re hoping that this year will be the year they make it to the NCAA tournament.