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New coach, new expectations

Arizona Summer Wildcat

7 returning starters look to power women's soccer team

Since the program's inception in 1994, Arizona's soccer teams have struggled to find any kind of success.

The program has amassed a record of 29-57-6 overall and 4-35-2 in the Pacific 10 Conference in its five seasons. Though the team has been consistent, it has never showed consistent improvement from year to year.

This could all change with the addition of new head coach Cathy Klein, formerly of Iowa State. Klein is a former co-coach of the year in the Big 12 Conference and guided the Cyclones to three post-season appearances and a ranking among the top 25 nationally.

Along with her impressive resume, Klein brings a winning attitude to a program that had become content with its mediocrity.

"We went undefeated in the spring, we expect to excel," Klein said.

The team returns seven of 11 starters and 14 of 22 letter winners.

"Everything is so positive right now," junior Niki Aguiar said. "We found the love for the game again, we're psyched and ready to go."

On the offensive end, senior Keri Kennedy-Weber and junior Kristi Lorona will play integral roles in a balanced scoring attack. They will be supported by a number of talented midfielders, led by senior Kate Nighswander-Will and juniors Twila Kaufman and Tiffany Sabado.

In the backfield junior Cassidy Guinn and senior Ann Giallonardo seek to anchor the defense with help from Jacy Corbus, Maureen Marshall, and injury redshirts Niki Aguiar and Tatiana Robertson.

In goal will be junior Shannon Monti, who played in 12 games last year.

In addition to the returnees, 12 freshman will press for playing time as well. No one is guaranteed anything according to Klein, returnees or freshmen.

"Those who earn it will get the minutes," she said. "Those who don't will have to watch and learn."

The players are looking forward to the new season as much as Klein is.

"Everybody is really excited," Monti said. "It's almost like you can't go wrong right now."

Klein acknowledged that though they are excited to play, they will still have to earn respect from other teams.

"We will be the underdog in most games, but that is an indication of our past won-lost record, not our ability," Klein said.