Valdosta State University to Add Women's Soccer in 2011

Valdosta State will field women's soccer as an intercollegiate sport beginning in 2011, according to an announcement made by VSU President Patrick Schloss and Athletic Director Herb Reinhard during a press conference at the University Center Wednesday.

"I am pleased to announce the addition of women's soccer as the 12th intercollegiate and sixth women's sport at Valdosta State," said Schloss in making the announcement. "We will join the Gulf South Conference as one of nine schools to sponsor this sport. We feel that we are well positioned geographically to become a power in this sport and look forward to seeing this new team uphold the proud tradition that is Valdosta State Athletics."

Reinhard indicated that a national coaching search will begin within the next 3 weeks and that the University planned on having its newest coach in place during the later winter or early spring months of 2010.

"Our timeline includes getting a coach in here as quickly as possible," he said. "That will give whoever leads our new program basically all of 2010 and the first half of 2011 to get everything involved with starting a new program, including recruiting, scheduling and buying equipment, completed."

Both Schloss and Reinhard pointed to the support of the Valdosta State campus and Valdosta community as a major factor in choosing VSU's newest Division II program.

"I would like to say that we really appreciate the Student Government Association for their support and input as we have moved forward with adding another sport at Valdosta State," Schloss added. "Likewise, the support from our community, which has already stepped forward with offers of funding, has been unbelievable. The response from all parties has been positive and shows that they believe in this move and how it will benefit the University as a whole."

Reinhard also added that much of the infrastructure for the new program has already been put in place, making the decision to add women's soccer easier.

"We planned ahead when building the new Athletic Fieldhouse," he concluded. "The infrastructure, including locker rooms and coaches offices, was included with the new Fieldhouse. Additionally, we have the space behind that building to build a playing surface, along with two football practice fields."

Women's soccer will be the first sport Valdosta State has added since the school began women's volleyball in 1995. In addition to becoming the ninth GSC school to sponsor the sport, VSU will become the 21st NCAA institution to participate in the sport in the state of Georgia, including the seventh Division II program. One of the nation's fastest growing sports among females, girls soccer is currently sponsored by 310 high schools in the state of Georgia.

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Five from Shorter's Hawks and Lady Hawks Soccer Named NAIA Scholar-Athletes

The 2008 Daktronics-NAIA Men's and Women's Soccer Scholar-Athletes have been announced with over 200 student-athletes receiving the honor from each sport. Over 100 schools are represented on each of prestigious lists, with Shorter College having five total athletes: Kyle Timberlake from the men's side, and Mallory Barnes, Renee Glenfield, Jessica Hoskinson and Sarah Locklear from the women's side.

In order to be a recipient of the NAIA-Daktronics Scholar-Athlete award, one must fulfill these requirements: the recipient must be a junior or above in academic standing; has been in attendance at the nominating institution a minimum of one full year of attendance; has a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of nomination at the nominating institution; has been certified as eligible.

These student-athletes were officially submitted from individual schools to the NAIA-MSCA Scholar-Athlete Coordinator.

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Women's Soccer and Serafy Etch Names in Athletic History With Win Over Campbell

A second-half, two-goal salvo earned the Bears a piece of Mercer women’s soccer history, as their 2-0 win over Campbell gives the team its first-ever Atlantic Sun regular season championship. Olivia Tucker once again proved the hero for the Bears, heading in the decisive goal from a Meghan Castlado corner in the 56th minute: her second straight game-winner and third goal in as many matches.

Castaldo would then seal the points with an unstoppable blast in the 66th minute as Mercer stretched its lead in the A-Sun standings to an insurmountable five-point advantage over second-placed Kennesaw State.

“This is really the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication by our players,” Mercer head coach Grant Serafy said. “It really means a lot to this team, not only to this current group of players, but also all our former players, parents, and everyone associated with the program. I couldn’t be prouder.”

The victory was also highly significant for Serafy himself, who becomes the all-time winningest coach in program history with his 39th career win, springing him past Ian Hayley in the school’s record books.

Despite his achievement, Serafy was quick to put the focus back on his team. “It’s nice to accomplish this, but for me, it’s about winning a championship,” he said.

Knowing what was on the line, Mercer announced their attacking intentions early, as senior Erin Theobald found space for herself on the left side of the box, though her cracking shot found the netting on the wrong side of the post.

Tucker would then call Campbell keeper Jamie Panfil into action; the holding midfielder eventually getting on the end of a Heather Manting free kick bouncing around in the box. Her sliding shot, however, was straight at Panfil from a tough angle on the left.

A clever flicked header from Meek then put Johnson clean through on goal, only for the Saint Peters, Mo. native to be thwarted by a late offsides flag.

Soon after, the flag stayed down on Johnson, who got in behind the Camels defense again. Running down the left, the sophomore forward attempted to pick out the far post with an outside-of-the-foot flick, but was denied by the fingertips of an advancing Panfil, who did well to collect the rebound as well.

It was backs to the wall stuff for the Camels, as Mercer sent in wave after wave of attack, and the Bears nearly broke through as Raschelle Riley went on a trademark rampaging run up of the left wing. The fullback’s cross found Tucker in the box, who spun past her marker with a deft first touch, only to be closed down by a vital last second tackle.

Mercer’s defense would need to be sharp soon after, however, as the Camels finally got their first shot on target midway through the first half. After some good work at the endline down the right, Olga Ekblom teed the ball up for Jenna Sullivan. Reigning A-Sun Defender of the Week Lizzy Shaughnessy, however, did well to block the shot down without testing Jean Worts.

The half finished with both teams even in possession. Vanessa Breslin and Katheryn Hurst linked up well in the Camels’ box to set up a scoring chance for Sara Elliot, whose left-footed shot was claimed by Panfil at her left-hand post. Worts then had to be alert to tip over a Hanna Salmen corner kick drifting back toward the net, as the first half ended scoreless.

Just after the restart, Castaldo came within inches of duplicating her heroics against Belmont, as she caught Panfil off her line with a well-weighted lob, only to see her shot land harmlessly on the roof of the net.

The breakthrough was coming, though, and it was no surprise who it came from. Tucker, who has scored big goals for the team all season, won a corner after being double-teamed down on the Camels’ endline. Meghan Castaldo whipped in a majestic inswinger from the resulting set piece, and when Pansil couldn’t get a touch as she came out to claim, Tucker was on hand to head home from close range.

It was a clinical finish from the freshman, and the team-best eighth goal in a sparkling first campaign with the Bears, one that surely now must result in first-team all-conference honors for the Peachtree City native.

“Olivia seems to play well when the team really needs it the most,” Serafy said afterwards, “and that’s the mark of a great player.”

Johnson nearly doubled the advantage immediately after, but saw her shot whistle just outside the near post after a mazy run up the left.

The Bears had their hosts on the ropes, however, and just 10 minutes later, Castaldo would seal the deal with a stunner. Latching onto a loose ball on the right hand side of the Camel box, the senior controlled with her first touch before sending a rocket up into the upper–left corner of the net, giving the Campbell keeper no chance.

Kacie Hudson would nearly add a third for the Orange and Black late on, though Panfil saved easily after the center back was unable to get enough power on shot from six yards out.

The only bit of drama remaining would be to see if the Bears would extend their shutout streak to five straight matches, which they did when Worts was on hand to save Caity Brown’s point blank header off a free kick. And as the clock struck zero, the team sprinted out to celebrate its first-ever A-Sun regular season title.

While acknowledging what the team has accomplished thus far, Serafy and the Bears still recognize that there is plenty more silverware to be handed out in 2008. “We probably won’t reflect on this too much,” Serafy said. “We still have a goal in mind, and that is taking the next step with this team and winning the A-Sun tournament.”

The Bears wrap up their 2008 regular season on the road against Kennesaw State on Wednesday. Mercer will then have next weekend off before heading back to Kennesaw for the Atlantic Sun championship, which will be held Nov. 5-8. Having sewn up the top spot, Mercer will get a first round bye, joining the tournament in the semifinal stage.

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Movie Night Fundraiser in Peachtree City to Benefit Lazers Premier Boys Soccer Team

Movie Night at Baseball Soccer Complex in Peachtree City on November 8th-
Presented by the Lazers '96 Boys

On Saturday, November 8th, bring your blankets and come support the '96 Lazers Premier Boys Soccer Team in their fundraising efforts to raise money for their July 2009 trip to play soccer at the Dana Cup tournament in Denmark. The movie of the night is "Journey to the Center of the Earth", Starring Brendan Fraser. Doors open at 5:00 PM, Movie starts at 7:00 PM. Food and concessions available for purchase. Pre-sale Admission: $5.00 adults / $3.00 children (children under 3 are free). Prices at the Door: $8.00 adults / $5.00 children (children under 3 are free).

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Regent Sports Recalls Soccer Goal Nets Following Strangulation Death of a Child

SSG Note: Please be aware of the following recall today. Soccer is so important to a lot of Georgia youth. If you have a folding net, please take heed.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Products: MacGregor Folding Soccer Goals, Mitre Folding Soccer Goals

Units: About 190,000 units

Distributor: Regent Sports Corporation, of Hauppauge, N.Y.

Hazard: The fixed knot flexible openings in the soccer goal net can pose a head and neck entrapment or strangulation hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Regent Sports and CPSC have received two reports of head entanglement, including the strangulation death of a 20-month-old child who was found with his arm and neck tangled in the soccer goal net.

Description: Both soccer goals have a foldable white frame with a white net that is attached by Velcro strips. When upright, the MacGregor goal measures 6 feet wide by 3 feet high and the Mitre net measures 8 feet wide by 6 feet high. Each has a recalled net with squares measuring 5 inches on each side. The MacGregor soccer goal has model number 97236 printed on the assembly instructions and UPC code number 029807972365 printed on the net's packaging. The Mitre soccer goal has model number 89186 printed on the assembly instructions and UPC code number 029807891864 printed on the net's packaging. Nets manufactured after April 2007 with 4 inch by 4 inch square openings are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware and sports and toy stores nationwide from May 2002 through May 2008 for $26.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled soccer goal nets immediately and return them to Regent Sports to receive a free replacement net.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Regent Sports at (800) 516-9707 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

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A Fall Sports Preview for University of West Georgia

Commentary by Mitch Gray

Football

Everything is new for the West Georgia Wolves this fall. A new coaching staff, headed by Daryl Dickey, is at the helm. There is also a major influx of new players on both sides of the ball and will will try to erase the disappointment of last season’s 2-9 record.

The Wolves’ top returnee is among the nation’s most prolific specialists. Senior Jared Guberman was named on four separate All-America teams, as well as making All-Gulf South Conference First Team last season.The Wolves are counting on more than just Guberman receiving post-season honors in 2008.

First game is scheduled on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 8 p.m. at Samford University, Birmingham, AL. Go Wolves!

Volleyball

The surprise story of 2007 in all of the Gulf South Conference was West Georgia’s volleyball team. From midseason tumult to conference champion and a berth in the NCAA Tournament, no team anywhere had a wilder and more fun ride last year than the Wolves.

This season, UWG has a new coach on board with Gary Lee. Lee has a solid nucleus returning, led by Andressa Martins, who was voted Most Outstanding Player in the GSC Tourney. Senior Amber Barnlund provides size and experience for the Wolves’ lineup, also. Beyond this pair, Lee will be looking for contributions from several talented newcomers this fall.

First game is scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., at Alabama-Huntsville.

Cross Country

If youth shall be served, the West Georgia Wolves’ cross country teams should be in for an entertaining fall. Coach Frank Butts has brought together talented and young rosters for both the women’s and men’s teams for 2008.

Despite the youth, the West Georgia teams have a veteran presence to lead their charge this season. UWG’s women feature a pair of seniors, Deanna Houghton and Jessie Reynierson to help show the ropes with a lineup that includes five outstanding freshmen.

On the men’s side, the Wolves return with Nao Asano. The team’s lone senior represented West Georgia at last season’s nationals and should be a mainstay this season. All-GSC Roman Dankin, a junior, also returns to help lead a squad featuring four freshmen.

An invitational meet is scheduled on Friday, Sept. 12, at 4:30 p.m. at Hoover, AL.

Soccer Preview

West Georgia’s women’s soccer team is looking for a bounce back season in 2008. Coach Marisa Kovacs and her Wolves weren’t satisfied with last season’s 8-11 record, and fifth place finish (3-5) in the Gulf South Conference standings.

Despite the loss of a trio of top performers to graduation, UWG has a veteran presence this fall. Leading the returnees are junior Erica Harvey and senior Samantha Jones, who were the team’s second and fourth leading scorers, respectively, a season ago. Also back is goalkeeper Patricia Logsdon, who notched a pair of shutouts a season ago.

First match is scheduled on Thursday, Aug. 21, at Emory University in Atlanta.

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Atlanta to Host Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) Team in 2010

PRNewswire/ -- With the 2008 Olympic Games underway and many fans wondering what's next for their favorite female soccer players, Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) announced today that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to expand to Atlanta, Ga. in 2010, the League's second year of play.

Atlanta joins Philadelphia as an expected 2010 WPS expansion city, while host cities named to date for the inaugural 2009 season include Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. Meanwhile, the League continues to explore additional potential franchises for both the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Atlanta entrepreneur T. Fitz Johnson, former CEO of Eagle Group International, LLC, leads the local WPS ownership group and is slated to serve as the team's managing partner. A member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), Johnson holds an Advanced National Diploma from the organization and has extensive ties to soccer at the youth, collegiate, amateur and professional levels.

"Atlanta is well-known throughout the country as being a solid soccer city filled with talented players and enthusiastic fans, so we've had our eye on Atlanta as an expansion market for many months," said Tonya Antonucci, WPS commissioner. "The League is fortunate to have Fitz on board, as we will certainly tap his enthusiasm and business savvy during our inaugural season."

Johnson is a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Army reserve, having earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Kentucky, College of Law. Prior to serving as CEO of Eagle Group International, he served as the organization's Chief Counsel, V.P. for Human Resources, Executive Vice President, COO, and President.

"WPS has proven itself to be a smart business venture, with a conservative business plan built on realistic numbers and executive leaders that not only know soccer as a sport, but as a business," said Johnson. "Atlanta soccer fans can now watch the world's greatest athletes play in this month's Olympic Games and know that those same premier players will soon put their talent on display in our city as part of WPS."

"As a League, we want owners who have solid operational business experience, a deep-rooted passion for soccer, and a commitment to the community, as well as extensive local connections. Fitz meets and exceeds these requirements and we look forward to the prospect of adding him as our business partner," said Jack Cummins, a Chicago Red Stars owner who has worked on expansion for the league.

From 2001-2003, Atlanta was home to the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) Atlanta Beat and was the only team in the League to reach the playoffs every season.

Plans for Atlanta's WPS nickname, logo and colors as well as its coaching and front office staff will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, Atlanta fans are encouraged to visit http://fans.womensprosoccer.com/ and submit their home videos explaining why their city is the "Top Town" when it comes to soccer. Brandi Chastain, former U.S. Women's National Team member and star defender for the WUSA San Jose CyberRays, will choose the winner, who will be awarded an all-expense-paid trip for two to an upcoming WPS event.

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