 "Photo: Marcie Heacox/Poly Post")
Following the 10 win and 10 loss 2009 season for the Cal Poly women’s soccer team, Head Coach Isabelle Harvey and Assistant Coach Erin Reinke knew they had some work cut out for themselves in the offseason.
With the loss of five senior athletes, the women’s coaching staff was well aware of the recruiting that needed to be done.
“First, we need to find out who we are going to replace and what positions we need to fill from our graduating senior class,” Harvey said. “It’s a step-by-step process. We have gone out to watch them [recruits] play as well as talked with them to see what they’re like.”
With the 2010 soccer season closing in, the women’s coaching staff has recruited seven highly talented athletes.
Next year’s roster will include the following players:
Nushin Tasibichi, a freshman midfielder from Estancia High School in Costa Mesa.
Kristin Mihara, a freshman defender from North High School in Torrance.
Melissa Garcia, a freshman forward from Yuma High School in Yuma, Ariz.
Jennifer Riviera, a junior forward, transferring from Mt. SAC College.
Maria Arroyo, a junior midfielder/forward, transferring from Taft College in Taft.
Natalia Guevara, a junior goalkeeper, transferring from San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino.
Sarah Hanna, a junior defender, transferring from Mt. SAC College.
“We are really excited to have them on the squad,” Reinke said. “We feel we have a great group to go out and compete with next year.”
The coaches are especially pleased with certain players for next season.
“Jennifer Riviera is a good forward,” said Harvey. “We are happy to have her on the team and Kristin Mihara is an outstanding defender. She’ll do what’s asked and more. We are really happy with our prospects and the upcoming season.”
Sophomore midfielder Gloria Gonzales concurred.
“I’m really excited about the new recruits,” Gonzales said. “They all fit in really well because Coach Harvey doesn’t just pick an athlete on how they play, but she focuses on their attitude and personality, then chooses the best players possible.”
Reach Richard Morales at: sports@thepolypost.com
Be the first to comment on this article!