Aug. 20, 2003
First Practice on Multi Purpose Stadium
Tenth year coach, Dina Gentile (108-58-5), and her team are committed to returning to the finals in 2003, "the goal of many teams is to make it to the playoffs, the goal of this program is to compete in the conference finals." The Women's Soccer Program has a storied and successful history at the College. Over the last ten years the Gulls have earned and gained regional and national recognition winning the Conference Title in 1997, 1999, 2001, playing in the NCAA Tourney in 1999, 2001, competing in the ECAC Tournament in 2002 and named as one of the top 15 teams in New England in 2001 and 2002. Gentile believes that "a team that connects on the field through rigorous training and a commitment to mastering the fundamentals will be a team that will have the stamina and the love for the game that will propel them to victory in regular season and post season competition." The mix of hard work, dedication and passion for the game of soccer has been the foundation for the team for the last decade.
With the tremendous play of All-Region defender Jessica Scholz (Sr. Coventry, RI) and All-Conference marking back Lauren Suarez (Jr., Methuen, MA) the Gulls, for the third time in the last four years competed in the championship game for the conference title. In 2002 the Gulls compiled an 11-1 conference record, a 14-8 overall record and advanced to the ECAC Tournament.
The program opens up play each season versus the toughest opponents in the country. The 2003 team will rely on the touch of Kate Healey (Sr., Clinton, CT) and vision of Stacey Lubas (Jr., Beverly, MA) in the midfield. Endicott's most exciting and dynamic forward Leah Walters (Jr., Brookline, MA) will have a scoring partner in speedy and goal hungry first year player Caitlin D'Amario (Fr., East Longmeadow, MA). The freshman class is filled with solid players including a top defensive standout Staci Wiencko (Pembroke, MA). Coach Gentile is fortunate to also return the nucleus of the winning 2002 squad including All-Conference goalkeeper Sarah Nichols (Jr., Middletown, CT), All-Conference midfielder Jillian Zagura (Hudson, MA) and marking back Katie Cederberg (N. Grafton, MA).
The ingredients of a successful season are in place. Coach Gentile is anxious to combine the speed and techniques of the newcomers with the experience and poise of the veterans. The 2003 season promises to be exciting as the Gulls move their winning ways and championship hopes to the new 2,200 seat, multi-purpose field turf stadium.
