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Leadership is key to success for BPC women’s soccer in 2007

2007 BPC Women’s Soccer Team

By Taylor Hereford

BPC Director of Marketing

MOUNT VERNON—The Brewton-Parker College women’s soccer team will be looking to a senior and a group of junior players to provide the leadership needed for a successful 2007 season.

Senior left back Carly Colombero, this year’s team captain, has earned the praises of head coach Bill Glass for her contribution to the team since her freshman year.

“Carly has been a mainstay varsity starter at left back for the last three years,” said Glass.  “I’m looking to her to continue to provide leadership in her senior year.  She will be ably supported by a strong contingent of juniors.”

This year’s juniors are led by midfielders Adrian Bushart, Kristi Jenkins, Mandy Perry and Christina Vasquez along with forward Hailey Seats.

Rounding out this year’s crop of eight returning players are sophomores Afiya Castle and Chelsea Milroy.  Glass is looking to both players to play significant roles on the field this season.

“Afiya is a world-class player with tremendous skills who is an asset to the team on the field wherever we put her,” said Glass.  “Chelsea is expected to see significant playing time at right back this year.”

The veterans are not the only players Glass is excited to see rejoin the team this year.  He also has an eye to the future as six freshmen arrived on campus Aug. 5 to begin fall practice.  This year’s recruiting class consists of forward Randi Brown, winger Desiree Caton, goalkeeper Lineon Felix, defender Courtney Gurley, goalkeeper Mallory Lashley and midfielder Jerneil Nivet.  Leigha Beckum and Michelle Clark also join the team’s new recruiting class this year.

“We have a very strong group of recruits coming in,” Glass said.  “For example, Jerneil Nivet just finished playing in a major tournament with her country’s under 20 women’s team.”

With the leadership expected from upperclassmen along with a strong recruiting class this year, Glass said he expects his team to improve on its 2006 record of 4-13-1.  To help meet that expectation, Glass welcomes Carlos Ortiz to the position of student assistant soccer coach.

“There is nothing better than having a familiar face to the college joining the coaching staff,” said Glass. “Carlos was the captain of our men’s team last year. This year he will be helping both the men’s and women’s teams from the sideline.”

The women’s team opened the regular season on the road this past weekend with two losses – against Freed-Hardeman University, 1-0, and the University of North Alabama, 8-0.  The Barons home opener is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. against Flagler College.

Follow the progress of the women’s soccer team during the 2007 season by visiting the team’s website at www.bpc.edu/athletics/soccer_womens/soccerwomens.htm.

-BPC-