Listen Here
By: Collin Frazier
Email: frazierc@findlay.edu
Twitter: @Collin_53
Women’s Soccer ended in 2018 with a respectable record of 11-4-2, and an unfortunate
brief postseason, ending with a 4-0 loss to Marietta. But that was last year and Head Coach,
James Walker, is ready to build off of their playoff bid. While they did lose some key players last
year, Walker is confident that this has what it takes, mainly due to their tremendous depth on
the roster. But his main emphasis, especially this early on, is to make sure they can work as a
team to get results.
“I think the big thing we gotta figure out this year is making sure the culture is right,
chemistry is right, and the girls continue to work hard,” said Walker. “We’re certainly gonna have
depth and talent this year, but that doesn’t always translate into results,” Walker continued.
Walker will have to deal with the losses of their goalkeeper, Brianna Klaus, and
Midfielder, Karis Dewalt, both to graduation. However, Walker is confident that this team can
continue to succeed.
“I think the girls are really starting to take on the role, they’ve done a really good job
moving the program forward,” said Walker. Walker also mentioned how he has incorporated a
leadership group for the Juniors and Seniors of the team and how that has helped the team to
move forward.
As the season goes on, the Lady Oilers will tackle each team from the G-MAC at
different points in the season. Walker is excited to play each game and wants to put a heavy
emphasis that every game matters equally.
“I think every game is gonna be big this season, I’m not counting one more than any
other because there are many good teams and players in the conference,” said Walker. Two big
out of conference games the Lady Oilers are looking forward to Northwood and Ashland, which
they will play against September 8th and September 13th, respectively.
With the weather in Ohio constantly fluctuating, the team must be aware of when the
weather is too hot to play. Coach Walker mentioned how matches will incorporate a water break
20-25 minutes into the match, rather than play 45 minutes followed by a break. Another thing
Walker emphasizes on player safety is education of what to do when the weather is warmer
than usual, noting the importance and hydration and nutrition.
On the other hand, with the season going into November, that’s when the season really
heats up. “I think that’s the time of the year when most of our players from the area are a little
more used to playing…. I hope were playing at that point in the year when there’s a little bit of
snow because it means that they [the team] had a great season,” said Walker.
Walker and the rest of the team will begin their 2019 campaign, this Sunday, when they
face Siena Heights at DeHaven Field.
