As summer starts to fade the Ole Miss soccer team continues to prep for the 2015 season.
Head Coach Matt Mott and the team spent the offseason working hard to improve their training program by watching film, working on speed and agility, along with playing several friendly matches with teams around the Midwest and the Southeast.
Mott said the main goal for the offseason was to work on speed and agility to help with finishing plays and to focus on individual skills training.
The Rebels also did some tweaking with player positions and formations with sophomore Courtney Carroll moving to midfield and junior Gretchen Harknett moving to forward.
With a majority of players returning the biggest change for the team undoubtedly comes as the rebels look to name a new starting goalkeeper upon graduation of four-year starter Kelly McCormick.
McCormick finished her career as the all time leader at Ole Miss in multiple categories including wins (42), saves (297), and minutes played in goal (6,839).
Sophomore Madi Killeen and red-shirt freshman Marnie Merritt are in the running to fill the top spot. Mott and coaching staff expect a tight battle as the two continue to perform well during practice, but they are excited to see who will win the battle for fall.
As Mott goes into his sixth year coaching he and the team look to build on a season that saw the Rebels go unbeaten in 13 matches and finished 8-6-5 overall.
The team is returning 10-11 starters of which account for 29-of-30 goals scored last season.
Among those returning is junior Addie Forbus who currently leads the team in goals and points finishing out last season with 7 goals and 4 assists.
Also noted returnees are seniors Olivia Harrison who finished the season with 7 goals and 1 assist and Jessica Hiskey with 6 goals and 2 assists.
The Rebels will have a challenging schedule going into the 2015 season that features nine contests against teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament last year.
Mott said this is one of the toughest schedules that Ole Miss has ever had but feels the tougher non-conference play will help prepare the team to take on a grueling SEC schedule.
The Rebels will start the season August 14 with a match against Central Arkansas.
Be sure to come see the team and meet Coach Mott at the annual “Meet the Rebels Day” Presented by Cannon Motors, Saturday, August 15 at the Manning Center. The Rebels will be signing autographs.
Doors will open to Rebel Kids’ Club Members (with up to two parents or guardians) at 12:30 p.m., at the east entrance of the facility, by the Grill at 1810. The general public may enter at 1 p.m. through the south entrance, which faces the track & field complex. All fans should park in the Coliseum lot or the new parking garage adjacent to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Maggie Mitchell Hottytoddy.com sports writer she can be reached at mlmitch1@go.olemiss.edu
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