UT Tyler Women’s Soccer: More Than Lucky
August 13, 2009

For most people 13 is not considered to be a lucky number, but The University of Texas at Tyler head women’s soccer coach Stefani Webb is not most people. Webb has always considered the oft maligned number as her “lucky” number, a fact that was cemented for her almost ten years ago when her daughter was born on Nov. 13.

So as Webb enters her 13th year as a head coach, she can’t help but feel that this season will be special. However, it is not a number alone that brings those feelings, it is the strength and talent level of her 2009 squad that gives her high expectations for her fifth year at the helm of the Patriots

“I feel like this is this is the strongest team we have had since I have been here,” said Webb. “We are going to be very dangerous. We had a great spring season and we have players, both returning and new, that will help us score. We are going to be fit and will definitely have more weapons this year than we have in years past.”

The 2009 edition of the Patriots’ women’s soccer team will feature 18 returning letter winners, five freshmen, two junior college players and two players returning to the game, but putting on a UT Tyler jersey for the first time.

Despite losing eight players form last season’s team, the Patriots will not lack in experience. Former All-American Southwest Conference selections Amanda Thomas, Kasey Kemp, Sam Fraser, Lauren Thomas, Kendall Kramer, Chelsea Fiscus and Lauren Pate will all return to the pitch for UT Tyler this fall.

“We lost some key players, but I think the experience our returners gained last season, plus our new girls, will make us stronger than ever,” said Webb.

The first in a series of goals for UT Tyler this season is to win its first ASC title and advance to the NCAA tournament. In order to accomplish that goal there is one obstacle the Patriots must overcome, one they have had their share of troubles with in the past.

For the past two seasons, the Patriots have advanced to the ASC Tournament and for the past two seasons they have had their season ended at the hands of the same team, Hardin-Simmons. Not only has UT Tyler been eliminated from the postseason for the past two years by the Cowgirls, but the Patriots hold an overall 0-7 record against them.

However, despite their history with Hardin-Simmons, you will not hear that name or the name of any other team spoken by any UT Tyler player or coach this season.

“We are not mentioning the names of any other teams all year. By naming your opponent, you are giving them a mental edge over you before you even take the field” Webb continued. We want to deal with ourselves first and worry about the things that we can control. If we do the things we need to do, then the wins will take care of themselves, no matter the opponent.”

The Patriots will have their first opportunity to test that theory on September 4 when they kick-off their season at home against Oklahoma Christian.

Other key games for the Patriots this season will be a Sept. 11 meeting at perennial national power Trinity (Tex.), their conference opener at home on Sept. 17 against Mississippi College and their regular season encounter with Hardin-Simmons on Sept. 25 in Abilene.

UT Tyler will play its home finale on Oct. 17 against LeTourneau, before closing out its regular season two weeks later on Oct. 31 at Ozarks (Ark.).

Although the regular season ends on Halloween, the Patriots hope to keep playing well past that date in order to accomplish another goal, making it to the Final Four. While making it to the National Semifinals is a top goal for every Division III team, it is of particular significance to the Patriots this season as both the men’s and women’s Final Fours are being played at the Blossom Soccer Complex in San Antonio.

“If you are an athlete, then the finals are what you strive for in any sport. But having the National Championships in Texas this year, just makes it that more real for our girls and makes it easier to shoot for.”

With the depth and talent on this year’s team, it appears that the Patriots have what it takes to turn Webb’s premonitions into reality. However, if more proof that the number 13 will bring good luck to this year’s team is needed, all you have to do is look the date of the first round of this year’s NCAA Tournament: Friday, Nov.13.

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