Aug. 14, 2002

Every athletic team brings its own brand of excitement to the playing field. Whether it's a fast paced tempo, rough and tumble aggressiveness or skillful preciseness, each team distinguishes its particular style against those of the competition. At the University of Missouri, the women's soccer program has made its mark as one of the finest and most dynamic young programs in the country.

With just six years under its belt-comparing to veteran programs that span a history of over 20 years-Mizzou has brought a truly unique flare to collegiate women's soccer. Since program inception, Head Coach Bryan Blitz has set the precedent that attitude is everything when it comes to teamwork and undoubtedly, his opinion has been proven right here at Mizzou.

"Missouri offers a lot as a university," Blitz says. "From academics, to athletic administration, to playing in such a great conference, the goals here are extremely high. Couple those attributes the our team philosophy of a blue collar work ethic and one can easily see why we sign athletes with great attitudes," he explains.

Reloading during the 2001 season, Blitz replaced a graduating corps of seniors with an energetic class of newcomers. At times during the season as many as nine freshmen graced the Mizzou field simultaneously. There were some hard fought battles, but the Tiger team pulled together and tackled each obstacle with poise.

"Last season, our players' dedication to the small things made all of the difference," Blitz reflects. "The commitment and loyalty each athlete displayed to each other and to team goals was phenomenal. We did a great job bringing in talented players and our success came down to the type of athletes that are with us. It takes a certain kind of player to take ownership in their team and we feel that each athlete is committed to our goals," he added.

After a season of tailoring, particularly under the pressure of the brawny Big 12 Conference that boasts five top-20 programs, the young Missouri squad was quickly toughened. Followed by a rigorous spring schedule that pitted the Tigers against the 2001 national champion Santa Clara, two top-20 programs and a Women's United Soccer Association team, the Mizzou squad enters 2002 seasoned with the continuing goal to pace with the nation's finest.

Suzy Probst returns as Mizzou's only four-year senior.

"We are continuing to raise the bar," Blitz says. "To do that, we need to have committed individuals that are willing to do the dirty work. Our team has answered the call beyond my expectations. Each athlete has taken on the responsibility of getting better by outworking the competition and setting high standards for themselves."

Missouri has persevered towards its goals despite the loss of valuable upper class leadership. The 2001 season saw the graduation of three valuable Mizzou seniors, including two-year team captains and defenders Mandy Waters and All-American Dyana Russell and midfielder Stephanie Brennan. The loss of top athletes would cause a hiccup in some programs, but the Mizzou squad quickly filled the void during spring play shifting the emphasis from individual leadership to a core stability created by team support.

"We are young," Blitz realizes. "We do have some young leaders, but this season we are looking more toward a group focus instead of to individuals. We feel we are going to have emerging individuals that rally the program, but we are confident that we will be able to rely on every athlete on our team for direction."

Luckily for Missouri, the roster boasts a diverse mix of athletes with an array of talents, expertise and encouraging voices.

Big 12 All-Tournament goalkeeper Megan Duncan begins her third starting season for Mizzou.

"You don't have to be a captain to be a great leader," Blitz says. "We have a well rounded group where each athlete is talented in different ways. We feel that both Lacy (Moore) and Megan (Duncan), our team captains this season, have great and emerging leadership. Coupled with their ability to rely on each of their teammates, our program has a large pool to borrow experience and knowledge from."

In addition to filling the leadership gap created by the loss of its team captains, Missouri was also faced with the loss of influential defensive brawn. To solve the problem, the Tigers went up against some of the finest teams in the country to see if they could measure up. The arduous spring season created the opportunity for Mizzou's athletes to step up and test their rebounding capabilities on the playing field.

"We had a very grueling spring," Blitz admits. "We had demanding early morning practices five days a week, underwent a brutal travel schedule playing every game away and we played the best from the ACC to the WUSA, the national champions and top-five programs. Through this experience, I learned everything I need to know about my athletes. Not one complained and I saw every player gain confidence from performing well and having success."

The demanding spring season also spurred some changes on the Mizzou field that will be evident when the Tigers take the field this fall. Senior Carrie Crossett, a standout walk-on that earned a starting position as a first-year junior last season, is the defensive line's only returning starter. Shouldering some of the weight from Crossett, center midfielder Lacy Moore moves back to bolster MU's defense. One of Missouri's most consistent players in 2001, Moore was the only freshman on the Tiger squad to start every game last season. Her experience, coupled with that of Crossett, look to be the base of the new Mizzou defensive strategy.

Also adding weight to Mizzou's defensive capabilities, Coach Blitz looks to sophomore Ashley Gibbs and newcomer Kyle Wilson to step up as some of the Tigers' emerging stars.

"Our spring season gave us the opportunity to test some of our athletes that weren't heavily tested last season. We basically forged a defensive strategy under some tough competition and found that our new back line is as talented as we'd hoped," Blitz reassures.

The Tiger midfield takes on its familiar formation anchored by senior staple Suzy Probst. Mizzou's only four-year senior, Probst is once again appointed to control the vision of MU's central zone. Joining Probst are returning sophomores Karen Bauer and Tamara Kochen as well as newcomers Erica Pusch and Breanah Glynn. Coupled with these athletes' versatility and athleticism, Missouri promises its distinctive brand of dynamic and energetic soccer.

Carrie Crossett was a junior walk-on last season and earned a starting position on the defensive line.

"Our team is built for speed and athleticism," Blitz says. "But, we also play skillfully. We combine a great attacking game with possession-oriented soccer. We've embraced the challenge of one-on-one defending across the field and making each opportunity count."

Helping to make every opportunity count, the Tigers return prominent forwards Adriene Davis and Melissa Peabody, along with reserves Kristin Heil, Shea Swoboda and Melissa McLellan. Rounding out Mizzou's line of offensive threats, newcomers Jennifer Nobis and Amber Swinehart bring both speed and precision to Missouri's already cunning attack.

"We play an attractive style because of the passion we have," Blitz believes. "We are very team oriented, which is unique and something that we are extremely proud of. Every athlete adds athleticism, enthusiasm and the potential to impact our game."

Rounding out the Tiger field, Mizzou's final line of defense rests on the shoulders of 2001 Big 12 all-tournament goalkeeper Megan Duncan and junior Stephanie Krawczyk. Forming the dynamic duo in Mizzou's goalbox, these athletes have made tremendous strides during their tenure and look to increase their presence during the 2002 season.

"Megan is unbelievably athletic and Stephanie is extremely intelligent and courageous in the box. Both have great vision and foresight that inspire trust and pride in the team. I anticipate a great season for Missouri defensively," Blitz says.

Aside from the obvious talent augmenting the Missouri roster, the Mizzou coaching staff believes the greatest element that sets the Tigers apart from other collegiate programs is their desire and commitment to be the best. Shooting for the goal of top-20 contention and a national championship, Tiger athletes have put their all toward a great 2002 season.

"It's the intangibles that sets our team apart," Blitz says. "Our athletes all chose to come in during the summer and work on their skills-I'm talking 90 percent of our athletes, including our freshmen, individually made the commitment to be the best. They've tested themselves, increased their fitness, developed a team chemistry and supported each other in their goals."

The 2002 Tigers are once again ready to do the 'little things' that result in champions.

Reinforcing those high expectations, team dynamic and physicality, the quality individuals comprising the MU coaching staff each add their own flare to the Mizzou program. The additions of assistants Mikki Denney and Manoj Khettry brought instant results to the already prospering MU program last season. In addition to increased athleticism and endurance, both coaches have laid a firm foundation of knowledgeable and skillful play. Coupled with the renewed contract of Coach Blitz and the re-addition of Director of Soccer Operations Kathy Schmidtke, who served a duplicate role during the 2000 season, the Tigers are poised to achieve success.

"Our staff comes with talent, maturity and caring," Blitz says. "Having a consistent staff is beneficial to the program and I am extremely lucky to have such great colleagues. Each individual working with our program--from administration, to sports medicine, strength and conditioning, sports information to grounds keeping-every staff member is dedicated to high standards and commitment to our team. Having everyone understand what we are trying to do and working to make a difference in our program lends to a family atmosphere and that is a great team to be on," he adds.

Exemplifying that dedication, expectation and dynamic on the field during the 2002 season can only add to the already electrifying brand Tiger soccer has established. Throughout the past year, the Mizzou team has toiled and fine-tuned its skills, amplified its fitness level and cultivated team solidarity.

"Every athlete on our team has chosen to take that next step," Blitz says. "Hard work doesn't always pay off immediately and it doesn't always guarantee success, but our team understands that a lack of dedication will surely guarantee the lack of success. This fall will be the time to show that all of our sacrifices were worth it and all our hard work has paid off."