Soccer: Welcome

Women’s Soccer Overview (2004)

The 2004 women’s soccer team is not resting on the laurels of a semi-final birth in last year’s NAIA National tournament. In fact, the best thing about sports is that a new year means a clean slate, and nothing can ever be taken for granted. With success, however, come higher aspirations and the ultimate objective for 2004 is to win the National Championship. No longer is Jewell an anomaly or fluke, but now a respected program and targeted by many teams, as evidenced by a #3 pre-season ranking in the NAIA National poll.

This year’s squad is led by two All-American forwards: Kristin Neher (Senior) and Allison Mallams (Sophomore). The midfield is patrolled by Molly Thye (Senior) and Lindsay Davis (Senior), while the back is anchored by All-American Sydney Boggess (Sophomore), Sarah McCarthy (Senior), Sarah Alderman (Junior) and Megan Penrod (Sophomore). Incoming players Ashley Tanner (Sophomore, midfielder), Shannon Eberle (First-year, midfielder) and Erica Greco (First-year, midfielder) will also be key members.

“This is a new team, a new season,” Coach Chris Cissell said. “We have everything in place on paper to make a great run this year, but it takes sweat, intellect, constant effort, and determination to be a factor at the end. Only one team will win their last game and we are aiming for that precise moment.”

The women’s schedule is very daunting, as Jewell will face 10 teams receiving votes in the pre-season poll. Coach Cissell, with assistants Johnny Chain and Rob Thomson, do not focus as much on other teams as within their own. William Jewell College women’s soccer has a great fan base and garnered much attention from the school and local area, but the program is built around hard work, integrity and a team-first mentality and that is what will lift the Lady Cardinals to their ultimate goal; to win the National title.