2011-12 Owens Express Women's Soccer Media Guide by Owens Express Athletics

WOMEN’S SOCCER 2011 A WINNING TRADITION

WELCOME THE MICHAEL W. RICK ARD LEGACY Michael W. Rickard lived and breathed Owens Express athletics for parts of four decades, starting as an Owens student in the late 1970s until the time of his unexpected death in December 2010. The 1982 Owens alumnus worked for the College for 25 years, the last 10 as Athletic Director. The Express soccer team is wearing a “MR” patch on its uniforms to honor his legacy this season. He was the No. 1 fan of the Owens Express, and the College has continued his legacy by naming the main athletics hallway The Michael W. Rickard StudentAthlete Hall of Excellence. Located in the Student Health and Activities Center, it showcases the College’s 2 national championship teams, 2 national runners-up, 48 conference titles, 38 NJCAA athletic All-American and 69 NJCAA academic All-Americans. The Athletic Dept. also has started the Michael W. Rickard Student-Athlete Award, which will be presented annually to one student-athlete who embodies excellence in community service, academics and athletics. The Owens Community College Alumni Association has established The Michael W. Rickard Memorial Fund, at the Owens Community College Foundation, with an initial gift of $10,000 that will provide program funds for the Athletic Dept. as well as scholarships for students. To contribute to the Michael W. Rickard Memorial Fund, contact the Alumni Association at (567) 661-7876 or alumni@owens.edu.

ATHLETICS MISSION Advance student-athlete development through emphasis on academics, citizenship, leadership, sportsmanship and community involvement.

CONTENTS The Michael W. Rickard Legacy Owens Facts Women’s Soccer Roster 2011 Schedule Coaching Staff First-Year Players 2010 Club Season in Review OCCAC/NJCAA Memberships Express Athletics Online

ATHLETICS OFFICE 2 3 4 5 6 7-14 15 15 16

Phone

(567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973

Ann LaVoy

Secretary

Angie Wannemacher

Athletic Trainer

Nick Huenefeld

Athletic Event Attendant and Statistician

WELCOME OWENS FACTS School

Owens Community College

Location

Toledo, Ohio 43699-1947

Founded

1965

Enrollment

18,965 (Spring Semester 2011)

Nickname

Express

Colors

Red & White

Affiliation

NJCAA Division I

Conference

Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC)

Home Facilities

Soccer Complex

President

Larry McDougle, Ph.D.

One of the largest community colleges in Ohio, Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes and personal attention, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on campus locations in suburban Toledo and Findlay as well as two free-standing learning centers in downtown Toledo and Maumee. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and more than 130 two-year degree and certification programs in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Nursing, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. The athletic department is housed in the modern Student Health and Activities Center, which features a student union, food court, basketball arena and field house complete with workout facilities. Affectionately known as the SHAC, it is part of the six-building Galleria Complex that is adjacent to the baseball/ softball and soccer field complex.

Dean of Student Life Christopher Giordano Phone

(567) 661-7129 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7129

Director of Public and Media Relations Brad Meyer Phone

The SHAC also includes a performance gym with a stage, student intramural gym, three-lane running track, tennis courts, 10 locker rooms and numerous weight, fitness, aerobic and game rooms.

(567) 661-7421 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7421

WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SOCCER OFFICE

2011 PROGRAM

Phone: (567) 661-7935 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7935 Mary Whisler, Head Coach Alexa Arsenault, Assistant Coach

The 2011 Owens Community College Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Soccer Program is a production of the Office of Marketing and Communications in conjunction with the Office of Athletics. Compiled by Nick Huenefeld, Athletic Event Attendant and Statistician, and Andy Woodard, Marketing Manager. Design by Megan Anderson and Paul Verdell. Photography by Seth Foley. Information current as of Aug. 16, 2011. On the cover are Express sophomores Alyvia Lieber, Shara Williams and Marissa Szabo. 3

2011 ROSTER

NAME

YEAR

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 14 15 18 19 20 21

Shara Williams Sarah Weaver Jaime Sesock Marissa Szabo Erica Lankey Shauna Kastel Alyvia Lieber Aleha Almester Haley Gasser Kendra Eitniear Chelsea Charniga Shelby Ramirez Sarah Ruiz Amanda Roumaya Malaysia Wright Kristina-Marie Rutherford

S F F S S F S S F F S S S S S F

POS.

HIGH SCHOOL

Goalkeeper Forward/Midfield Midfield Forward Defense/Midfield Midfield Forward/Midfield Defense/Midfield Midfield Forward Defense/Midfield Defense Defense/Midfield Forward/Midfield Defense Defense

Springfield Margaretta Holly Southview Toledo Christian Southview Maumee Rossford Northview Swanton Otsego Washington Local Swanton Whitmer Central Catholic Norton

Head Coach – Mary Whisler Assistant Coach – Alexa Arsenault

HOMETOWN Holland, Ohio Castalia, Ohio Davisburg, Mich. Sylvania, Ohio Toledo, Ohio Toledo, Ohio Maumee, Ohio Rossford, Ohio Sylvania, Ohio Swanton, Ohio Bowling Green, Ohio Toledo, Ohio Holland, Ohio Toledo, Ohio Toledo, Ohio Norton, Ohio

2011 SCHEDULE R EGU LAR S EAS ON DAY X Sunday X Wednesday X Sunday X Wednesday X Saturday X Sunday X Wednesday Saturday

X Saturday X Wednesday Sunday X Wednesday X Wednesday Friday X Sunday X Wednesday X Saturday X Sunday

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

LOCATION

Aug. 28 Aug. 31 Sept. 4 Sept. 7 Sept. 10 Sept. 11 Sept. 14 Sept. 17

2 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 4 p.m. 3 p.m. 1 p.m. 4 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Mercyhurst College North East (Pa.) Jackson Community College Kellogg Community College Lorain County Community College Cincinnati State Community College Delta College Schoolcraft College College of DuPage

Home Home Home Elyria, Ohio Cincinnati, Ohio Home Home Jackson, Mich.

Sept. 24 Sept. 28 Oct. 2 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 14 Oct. 16 Oct. 19 Oct. 22 Oct. 23

2 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 7 p.m. 12 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m.

Mercyhurst College North East (Pa.) Schoolcraft College Ohio Northern University Club Kellogg Community College Lorain County Community College Lewis & Clark Community College Monroe Community College Jackson Community College Delta College Cincinnati State Community College

North East, Pa. Livonia, Mich. Ada, Ohio Battle Creek, Mich. Home Home @ Lake High School Home Jackson, Mich. University Center, Mich. Home

Oct. 29

TBA

District Tournament

University Center, Mich.

Oct. 30

TBA

District Tournament

University Center, Mich.

POS T S EA S ON Q Saturday Q Sunday

Q Tournament

X OCCAC

Appreciation Day

COACHING STAFF MARY WHISLER

HEAD COACH Mary Whisler became the first Head Coach in the women’s soccer program history in June 2011. Whisler previously served as the Assistant Coach for women’s soccer at the University of Findlay from 200911. During her tenure at the University of Findlay, she helped lead the program to an overall 14-18-5 record. Whisler’s responsibilities also included recruiting, training and assessing talent. Additionally, she serves as the U-12 Head Coach of the Findlay Soccer Club and has served as the U-16 Assistant Coach for the Fort Wayne Sport Club in Fort Wayne, Ind. Whisler also was a Soccer Camp Staff Coach/Counselor at the University of Notre Dame. Whisler was a three-time First Team Mid-Central College Conference selection during her intercollegiate women’s soccer career (2005-08) at the University of Saint Francis. She also earned NAIA Honorable Mention Athletic All-American and Scholar-Athlete All-American honors. The Findlay resident holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Saint Francis and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in education from the University of Findlay.

ALEXA ARSENAULT

ASSISTANT COACH Alexa Arsenault begins her first season as Assistant Coach of the Express women’s soccer program. Prior to coaching at Owens, Arsenault was the starting goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team at Bowling Green State University, where she graduated in May 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education and Adoptive Education Endorsement. Beginning with her sophomore year, Arsenault started and played every minute in goal for BGSU. She recorded school records of 23 complete game shutouts and most consecutive shutouts (606:31 straight minutes). Additionally, she was named to the All-Mid-American Conference First Team in 2008 and was MAC Player of the Week four times throughout her career, while also leading her team to the MAC Championship Game in 2008. Prior to attending BGSU, Arsenault graduated from St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School in her native Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. While there, she led her team to a York Region Championship. She led the Unionville Strikers club team to a league championship in 2005, and at one point during her career, Unionville was the top-ranked club team in Canada. Arsenault also played for the Junior National Team of Canada (NTC). Arsenault has worked as the goalkeeper coach for the Bowling Green Soccer Club since 2009, coaching youth ages 7 to 16, and she also volunteers with the Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity. She resides in Bowling Green, Ohio.

SECOND-YEAR PLAYERS #1 SHARA WILLIAMS

GOALKEEPER

SOPHOMORE

Hometown:

Holland, Ohio

High School:

Springfield

Major:

Business Management Technology

Overview:

Williams is described by head coach Mary Whisler as having a great work rate and will be looked upon to be a vocal leader in the back. She returns after starting every game in goal and saving 76 shots for the Express club team last season.

Prior to Owens:

Williams was a two-sport athlete (soccer and basketball) at Springfield, where she won the team’s Coaches Award in soccer her senior year under the tutelage of head coach Zak Koralewski.

Family:

Shara is the daughter of Gary and Linda Williams.

#4 MARISSA SZABO

SOPHOMORE

OUTSIDE HITTER

Hometown:

Sylvania, Ohio

High School:

Southview

Major:

Business Management Technology

Overview:

A 2009 Sylvania Southview graduate, Szabo is a creative player who led the Express club team in scoring last season with 11 points on five goals and one assist. Head coach Mary Whisler expects her to be an offensive threat once again and have a productive year up top.

Prior to Owens:

Szabo played soccer, track and basketball at Southview. As a member of the soccer team, she was named the team MVP as a freshman, which was followed by Second Team AllNorthern Lakes selections her sophomore through senior seasons. She was the team’s leading scorer her junior year for head coach Abbey Mock. As a member of the basketball team, she won an NLL championship her freshman year. As a member of the track team, she was on varsity all four years and she made it to districts her junior and senior seasons. Academically, she was twice named an honor roll student.

Family:

Marissa is the daughter of Bonita Szabo. Her brother, Corey, is a former defensive back for Defiance College’s football team.

SECOND-YEAR PLAYERS #5 ERICA LANKEY

SOPHOMORE

MIDFIELD/FORWARD/DEFENDER

Hometown:

Toledo, Ohio

High School:

Toledo Christian

Major:

Associate of Science, General Concentration

Overview:

A 2008 graduate of Toledo Christian, Lankey has battled an injury riddled preseason, but head coach Mary Whisler expects her to push to be in the starting lineup. She was a member of the Express club team last season.

Prior to Owens:

Lankey was a member of the soccer, swim and softball teams at Toledo Christian. As a member of the soccer team, she was named team MVP as a senior and was a Second Team All-Toledo Area Athletic Conference selection as a freshman, sophomore and junior. Additionally, she was named First Team All-District as a freshman for head coach Dave Lankey, and she was an honor roll student all four years. As a softball player, she was named Second Team All-TAAC her freshman and junior year, and First Team AllTAAC her sophomore year. She was a member of the swim team during her junior year. Lankey’s greatest personal sports thrill was when her soccer team beat Eastwood to win sectionals her freshman year. Academically, she was an honor roll student all four years with a 3.9 GPA and earned the NWOHSSL Team Academic Award each of her four years at Toledo Christian.

Family:

Erica is the daughter of David and Belinda Lankey. Her father played soccer for the University of Toledo’s club team.

#7 ALYVIA LIEBER

SOPHOMORE

FORWARD/MIDFIELD

Hometown:

Maumee, Ohio

High School:

Maumee

Major:

Early Childhood Education Technology

Overview:

A 2009 Maumee graduate, Lieber is one of the team’s co-captains along with Sesock. She was second on the Express club team last season in scoring with nine points on four goals and one assist. Head coach Mary Whisler said Lieber’s competitive drive is contagious in practice and her teammates really thrive off it. Additionally, Whisler said she has great instincts on the ball and will dominate a lot of games in the middle along with Jaime Sesock.

Prior to Owens:

Family:

Alyvia is the daughter of Jim and Jill Lieber.

SECOND-YEAR PLAYERS #9 ALEHA ALMESTER

SOPHOMORE

OUTSIDE MIDFIELDER

Hometown:

Rossford, Ohio

High School:

Rossford

Major:

Environmental Management

Overview:

Almester, a 2009 Rossford graduate, returns to the Express after playing for the college’s club team last season. Head coach Mary Whisler said Almester’s positive attitude and love for the game makes her a great teammate, while adding that she will be used at several different positions with the confidence that she will play all of them well.

Prior to Owens:

Aside from soccer, Almester participated in track and volleyball at Rossford. In soccer, she was an Honorable Mention All-Northern Lakes League selection her senior year, won the Coaches Award her junior and senior year, had the most assists on her team her junior and senior seasons and was a four-year member of the varsity team under the tutelage of head coach Jason Allen. As a sophomore, she was named the team’s Most Improved. Almester was a member of the track team all four years. Academically, she passed all five of her OGT’s on the first attempt. Additionally, she went to state with the DECA marketing program for employability skills. Her greatest personal sports thrill was as a freshman when she had a breakaway and the player behind her kicked her shoe off, but she still scored, barefoot. The goal was the game-winner.

Family:

Aleha is the daughter of Tracy Almester and Jack Wylie..

#14 CHELSEA CHARNIGA

SOPHOMORE

DEFENDER

Hometown:

Tontogany, Ohio

High School:

Otsego

Major:

Nursing

Overview:

A 2010 graduate of Otsego, Charniga was a late addition to the Express during the preseason. Head coach Mary Whisler said Charniga will add depth and experience in the back for the Express.

Prior to Owens:

Charniga was First Team All-Northwest Ohio High School Soccer League, Honorable Mention All-District in the Northwest Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association, and Honorable Mention All-Suburban Lakes League her senior year at Otsego. During her junior year, she was named Honorable Mention All-NOHSSL and Honorable Mention All-SLL. Also as a senior, Charniga was the recipient of the team’s Captain’s Award and Co-Defensive MVP award, while taking home Most Improved Player as a sophomore for head coach Chris Palka.

Family:

Chelsea is the daughter of Ron Charniga and Michelle Asmus.

SECOND-YEAR PLAYERS #15 SHELBY RAMIREZ

SOPHOMORE

DEFENDER

Hometown:

Toledo, Ohio

High School:

Whitmer

Major:

Business Management Technology

Overview:

Ramirez will be playing a central role for the team in the back this season, according to head coach Mary Whisler, who also said her aggressiveness will be huge for the team.

Prior to Owens:

Ramirez played soccer her final three years at Whitmer, where she earned the coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Defender Award each of those years under the direction of head coach Matt Squibb. Her greatest personal sports thrill was scoring a goal from almost half field.

Family:

Shelby is the daughter of Ramon and Michelle Ramirez.

#18 SARA RUIZ

SOPHOMORE

DEFENDER AND MIDFIELDER

Hometown:

Holland, Ohio

High School:

Swanton

Major:

Associate of Arts, General Concentration

Overview:

A 2009 graduate of Swanton, Ruiz will be a starter in the back for the Express after being a member of the Express club team last year. Head coach Mary Whisler said she will see the majority of action playing outside back, but is also a talented midfielder.

Prior to Owens:

Ruiz was a three-year member of the soccer, track and bowling teams at Swanton, where she played soccer for head coach Jim Carpenter. As a soccer player, she won a sectional championship and was the team captain as a senior in soccer and bowling. As a bowler, she was named Athlete of the Month during her senior year. As a member of the track team, she participated in shot and discus. Academically, she was an honor roll student for three consecutive years. Her greatest personal sports thrill was her first soccer game for Owens last season as a member of the club team.

Family:

Sara is the daughter of Joseph and Debra Ruiz.

SECOND-YEAR PLAYERS #19 AMANDA ROUMAYA

SOPHOMORE

FORWARD

Hometown:

Toledo, Ohio

High School:

Whitmer

Major:

Business Management Technology

Overview:

A 2008 graduate of Whitmer, Roumaya is described as a strong finisher who will be pushing to earn time up top, according to head coach Mary Whisler.

Prior to Owens:

Roumaya was a four-year member of the varsity team at Whitmer, while winning the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unsung Hero award in 2006 and achieving the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s single season goals record under the tutelage of head coach Matt Squibb. Her greatest personal sports thrill is scoring a goal off her own through ball during her sophomore year. She was an honor roll student at Whitmer.

Family:

Amanda is the daughter of Steve and Linda Roumaya.

#20 MALAYSIA WRIGHT

SOPHOMORE

DEFENDER

Hometown:

Toledo, Ohio

High School:

Central Catholic

Major:

Pre-Pharmacy Transfer

Overview:

A 2009 graduate of Central Catholic, Wright is described by head coach Mary Whisler as a very hard worker who will be a strong defender off the bench. She was a member of the Express club team last season.

Prior to Owens:

Wright was a member of the soccer and track teams at Central Catholic. She played soccer for head coach Don Jablonski. As a member of the track team, she qualified for state her junior and senior year in shot and discus. She placed 16th in discus and 17th in shot her senior year. She also set a school record as a member of the 4x100 meter team her junior year. Her greatest personal sports thrill was making the varsity track team her freshman year. Academically, she was an honor roll student all four years.

Family:

Malaysia is the daughter of Larry Gregory and Toni Kae.

FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS #2 SARAH WEAVER

FORWARD

FRESHMAN

Hometown:

Castalia, Ohio

High School:

Margaretta

Major:

Pre-Business Administration

Overview:

A 2010 graduate of Margaretta, Weaver is viewed by Mary Whisler as a talented player who will spend most of her time as an outside midfielder. She has the ability to step up and be an offensive threat from that position after redshirting on the club team last season.

Prior to Owens:

Weaver was a standout soccer player at Margaretta, where she was named team MVP her senior year while setting six school records for the program including: most shots in a season and career, most goals in a season and career and most points in a season and career. Under head coach Ashlie Gowitzka, Weaver was also named First Team All-Sandusky Bay Conference and First Team All-District her junior year. Moreover, she earned First Team All-SBC and Second Team All-District honors her senior year and was named the school’s Most Athletic Female as a senior. Her greatest personal sports thrill was breaking the school record for most three point field goals made in a career in the district final game her senior year en route to a one point win.

Family:

Sarah is the daughter of John and Tricia Weaver. Her cousin, Matt Zahl, played baseball at the University of Toledo.

#3 JAIME SESOCK

DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER

FRESHMAN

Hometown:

Davisburg, Mich.

High School:

Holly

Major:

Fire Science Technology

Overview:

A 2006 graduate of Holly, Sesock is the eldest member of the Express and will be one of the team’s co-captains along with Alyvia Lieber. Head coach Mary Whisler describes Sesock as a solid player who provides the team with a lot of leadership on and off the field. Along with Lieber, she is expected to control the midfield after redshirting on the club team last season.

Prior to Owens:

Sesock was a Second Team All-Flint Metro League selection, the team MVP and the team’s Defensive MVP her senior year as a member of the soccer team at Holly, where she also played tennis and volleyball. As a member of the tennis team, she advanced to the state quarterfinals as the No. 3 singles player her junior year. As a team, Holly finished third in the state that year, which she lists as her greatest personal sports thrill. As a member of the volleyball team, she won the team’s Sportsman Award as a junior. She played soccer under head coach Mackenzie Kurl. Academically, she was awarded the Jim Mansfield Scholarship as a senior and was an Honor Roll student.

Family:

Jaime is the daughter of Steven and Kim Sesock. Her brother, Jay, is a former member of the Express men’s soccer program.

FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS #6 SHAUNA KASTEL

FORWARD

FRESHMAN

Hometown:

Toledo, Ohio

High School:

Sylvania Southview

Major:

Pre-Massage Therapy Certificate

Overview:

A 2010 graduate of Sylvania Southview, Kastel is a hardworking player who will be looking to earn minutes as the season progresses, according to head coach Mary Whisler.

Prior to Owens:

Kastel was a three-sport athlete (soccer, track and lacrosse) at Southview, where was a recipient of the Academic Scholar award with a 3.5 GPA or above. She played for head coach Mike Aubrey.

Family:

Shauna is the daughter of Steve and Kim Kastel.

#10 HALEY GASSER

FORWARD

FRESHMAN

Hometown:

Sylvania, Ohio

High School:

Northview

Major:

Education Transfer

Overview:

Gasser is described by head coach Mary Whisler as a fast wing player who will create a lot of opportunities for the Express in the attacking third.

Prior to Owens:

Gasser was a Second Team All-District selection her senior year and an Honorable Mention All-Northern Lakes League selection in 2009 for head coach Rick Burgin. Her greatest personal sports thrill is making the regional tournament in soccer during her sophomore and junior years. She ran track as a freshman and sophomore and participated in the BCSN All-Star game for soccer.

Family:

Haley is the daughter of Tim and Mary Lou Gasser.

FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS #11 KENDRA EITNIEAR

FORWARD

FRESHMAN

Hometown:

Swanton, Ohio

High School:

Swanton

Major:

Social Work Concentration

Overview:

A 2011 graduate of Swanton, Eitniear is a speedy forward who will be looked upon to bring a dangerous threat up top for the Express. Head coach Mary Whisler expects her to put a few goals in the back of the net this year.

Prior to Owens:

Eitniear also participated in basketball and track at Swanton. Her accomplishments as a member of the soccer team include being an NWOSSCA First Team All-District selection as a sophomore, junior and senior, Honorable Mention All-Ohio as a senior, the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offensive MVP as a sophomore, junior and senior, a four-year varsity letter winner, and she was selected as a participant in the NWOSSCA Senior All Star game under the tutelage of head coach Jim Carpenter. As a member of the basketball team, Eitniear was a Second Team All-NWOAL selection as a senior. Academically, Eitniear was a member of the honor roll her final three years and won the Leadership Award in 2010. She was named the Toledo Blade Student of the Week for May 18, 2011 and her greatest personal sports thrill was playing in the district finals in 2008, which included cutting down the nets for a sectional title.

Family:

Kendra is the daughter of Kenny and Denise Eitniear.

KRISTINA-MARIE #21 RUTHERFORD

DEFENDER/SWEEPER

FRESHMAN

Hometown:

Norton, Ohio

High School:

Norton

Major:

Pre-Nursing Concentration

Overview:

Rutherford will be looked upon to have a dominant presence in the back for the Express this season, according to head coach Mary Whisler. She will anchor the defense alongside Shelby Ramirez.

Prior to Owens:

Rutherford played soccer and basketball at Norton. As a member of the soccer and basketball teams, she was named the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MVP her freshman and sophomore years. In soccer, she was First Team All-District her junior and senior year and Honorable Mention All-District her freshman and sophomore years. Additionally, she was named First Team All-Portage Trail Conference her senior year for co-head coaches Nate and Seth Vaill. In basketball, she was named First Team All-District her senior year. Her greatest personal sports thrill was scoring from half field her sophomore year against Crestwood during their senior night.

Family:

Kristina-Marie is the daughter of Joe and Laura Rutherford.

2010 CLUB SEASON REVIEW EXPRESS CLUB TEAM FINISHES WITH 3-8 RECORD The 2010-11 year saw the beginning of a new era for women’s sports at Owens as women’s soccer was introduced as the school’s eighth sport. Playing as a club team, the Express finished 3-8 against teams with scholarship players. “We were pretty successful to go 3-8 and stay competitive with teams that have had programs for 10 years or so,” said head coach Art Johnson, who coached both the men’s and women’s programs. Marissa Szabo led the team in scoring with 11 points on five goals and one assist. Alyvia Lieber was second with nine points on four goals and one assist. Shara Williams started every game in goal and finished with 76 saves.

Overall, this season was about beginning a program and driving interest in the program locally. Next year, the program will be an NJCAA Division I sport and offer scholarships. The team even had two players redshirt this year in order to keep two years of eligibility in Sarah Weaver and Jaime Sesock. “The interest is pretty strong,” Johnson said. “When we’ve been out recruiting this fall for boys, we’ve had a number of girls coming up to us and showing interest – both in Northwest Ohio and in Michigan.”

Overall, the team scored 23 goals and gave up 45. “They did well for a first-year program,” Johnson said. The Express men’s team “won five games their first year in a 16-game schedule. The (women) won three in 11 games.” Johnson said the team was most affected by the lack of scholarships. Without scholarships, the players had to have jobs to pay for their education. “Some nights we had a full complement of players, other nights, we didn’t,” he said. Johnson also said the team was affected by not having a preseason conditioning program. That, combined with work schedules, mattered in most games against quality teams. “They were constantly playing catch-up,” Johnson said of the conditioning. “When you’re playing upper-level teams, as the game went on, the girls had a tough time keeping up because they weren’t at the same level as far as conditioning. Their competitive nature kept them in games.”

MEMBERSHIPS NJCAA Owens Community College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, Region XII. There are 31 member schools in Great Lakes Region XII. Visit the NJCAA online at www.njcaa.org

OCCAC Owens Community College has been a member of the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) since 1987. The other members of the OCCAC are Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Edison State Community College, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College and Sinclair Community College. Visit the OCCAC online at www.occac.org

INAUGURAL SEASON

The Express women's soccer team debuted as a varsity sport in 2011, becoming the eighth varsity sport at Owens Community College. The Board of Trustees approved the creation the program in August 2010, first as a club team in the fall of 2010 before transitioning to varsity status with scholarship studentathletes in 2011.

AUTOGRAPHS

OWENS EXPRESS ATHLETICS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ONLINE Follow the Owens Express all season long at www.owens.edu/athletics, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com and a friend at www.youtube.com by searching for Owens Express Athletics. Go to the new and improved www.owens.edu/athletics website for game stories, game results, statistics, photos and historical information about your favorite Express teams.

On Facebook, receive Express scores in your News Feed immediately following the game

On YouTube, watch video recaps of select games.

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