After failing to qualify for the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament for the first time in eight seasons, the Wilmington College women's soccer team will look dramatically different. The changes don't squelch any of the enthusiasm heading into the 2014 season.
"I am excited about upcoming season," said Wilmington head coach Steve Spirk. "We had a nice tour to Costa Rica with returning players, and it was great experience in terms of traveling and experiencing another culture. It also gave us an opportunity to play some games and do some training while we were over there to get ourselves ready for this upcoming season."
The Fightin' Quakers must replace eight letterwinners, including five senior starters.
"We lost experience and senior leadership in all three areas, starting with the defense, moving to the midfield and up top," said Spirk. "They are going to be hard people to replace, but that is the challenge every year to come up with players to step in and step up. That is the exciting thing about coaching."
The tour to Costa Rica came at the right time for Wilmington as they were able work some key veterans into new roles.
Senior goalkeeper Taylor Franklin (Delaware, OH/Rutherford B. Hayes) is one of those players that benefitted greatly with the extra practice and game repetitions. Franklin played in five games last season, with four starts, allowing less than a goal per game. She has played in 12 total games in her WC career, and has posted five career shutouts.
"Taylor is playing as well as she has in her four years, and is ready to step up to be starting goalkeeper and lead from the back," said Spirk.
Freshman Ana Hosler (Blanchester, OH/Blanchester) could push Franklin for the starting position in between the pipes.
Despite losing a pair of four-year starters in the back, Wilmington has some experience in helping whomever claims the goalkeeping position.
Two-year starter Ashley Stockton (Waynesville, OH/Waynesville) and sophomore Morgan Combs (Tipp City, OH/Tippecanoe), who started all 19 games last season, bring a plethora of game minutes to the lineup. Senior Caroline Guindon (Barnesville, OH/St. Clairsville) was a key reserve over the last two seasons, and should be able to step into a starting role.
Freshman Alyssa Reule (Miamisburg, OH/Miamisburg) missed all of last season with an injury and could find herself playing a pivotal role. Senior Sara Bishop (Fairfield, OH/Fairfield) along with true freshmen Stephanie Randolph (Monroe, OH/Monroe), Courtney Fernandez (Huber Heights, OH/Wayne), and Alexis Bailey (Middletown, OH/Middletown) could all push for playing time in the back third.
While the back line has some experience to lean on, the Fightin' Quakers must replace nearly 70 percent of its offensive production.
Only five players, whom totaled 10 goals, return for Wilmington. Senior midfielder Camille Gentile (Brownsburg, IN/Brownsburg) is the leader with three goals. Gentile is the heart-and-soul for WC, playing every minute in the midfield.
"Camille has been a 90-minute player for four years," said Spirk. "Having her healthy, confident, and offensive-minded is very important – and that is where she is right now."
Seniors Lauren Hamrock (Beavercreek, OH/Beavercreek) and Angela Phillips (Union, OH/Northmont) are the only other players to have scored multiple goals last season. Sophomore Taylor Scott (Lynchburg, OH/Lynchburg-Clay) came to Wilmington with the identity as a scorer, and will look to make a bigger impact on the WC offensive.
However, Spirk doesn't believe the Fightin' Quakers will have to turn to one specific player to get offense.
"I have always felt you couldn't rely on one aspect to score goals," said Spirk. "You have to do it by committee. You have to be aggressive and make things happen. We are going to need to get some rebound goals and some scrum-type goals in front of the box. You would hope you can get some individual efforts where you go down, beat someone and put the ball in the net."
Senior Sammi Miller (West Chester, OH/Lakota East) returns to the lineup after missing nearly two seasons with a couple of injuries. Sophomore Savanna Compton (Springfield, OH/Greenon), freshman Mellonee Hall (Beavercreek, OH/Beavercreek) and Bailey could all pose problems for opposing defenses near the box.
As with many soccer teams, solid play in the midfield is the key to success, and Wilmington has a mix of experience and talented youth. Gentile is the lynchpin and will be flanked by the likes of Hamrock and junior Erika Good (Miamisburg, OH/Miamisburg).
"We will have some experience in the midfield and some good upcoming young players," said Spirk. "I think some of our young players will surprise people. I think they are athletic, have good experience and are confident. I think midfield will be the key. If you can control the midfield, you have a chance to win the game."
Junior Kala Fox (Ashland, OH/Hillsdale), along with freshmen Tracy Distl (Springfield, OH/Northeastern), Becca Petra (Liberty Township, OH/Lakota East), Samantha Glish (Louisville, KY/Ballard) and Bailey will be competing for the minutes in the midfield.
Wilmington opens the season 6 p.m. Friday against Rose-Hulman in the Franklin Invitational.