2010 Women's Soccer Season Preview

 The 2010 Elmira College Women’s Soccer Team is hungry for success. With fourteen returning players and a great influx of new talent, energy, and heart the Soaring Eagles are eager to make their mark as a contender in the Empire 8 this season. Along with the eleven new athletes the program welcomes the addition of a new head coach, Ashley Bingaman, who began working with the program during the spring of 2010. “I have seen the desire and talent in this young group and I am equally excited with what our new players will bring. This group will turn heads as they begin their climb to the top,” comments Coach Bingaman.

Looking to lead the way and finish out her career with more success than ever is fourth year captain, Danielle Corjulo ’11 (Southington, CT -- Southington). Corjulo who has played various roles throughout the midfield during her career will look again to lead this young team. “Danielle’s work ethic and technical ability make her a stand out leader for this team. I’m really excited to send her out with a magical season,” stated Coach Bingaman. As picked to lead the team is third year defensive standout Mary Corey ’12 (Niskayuna, NY -- Niskayuna). Corey finished last season as an Empire 8 All Conference honorable mention pick. “Mary’s composure and keen sense allows her to organize our defensive unit greatly. She will be trusted upon this year to play an even larger role than she has seen in previous years,” remarks Coach Bingaman.

Also joining Corjulo and Corey are a slue of returning players who have all seen the field during their first two seasons. On defense the Soaring Eagles return Laura Bartus ’13 (Suffield, CT -- Williston Northhampton) who started every game during her rookie campaign. On the opposite front the Soaring Eagles will rely upon two returning strikers to step up their goal scoring to match their ambition. Kelsey Kiel ’13 (Bryn Athyn, PA -- Academy of the New Church) and Kristyn O’Rourke ’13 (Beaver Dams, NY -- Corning East) will look to pick up last year where they left off and hopefully add much more with their experience. Returning to the roster is midfielder Ellie Hamilton ’13 (Victor, NY -- Victor). After missing a big portion of the 2009 season for an injury, she will be the cornerstone of the Elmira College Women’s Soccer midfield. “Ellie’s relentless work ethic is unmatched – paired with her ability to see and connect passes in tight spaces and we are sure to see great things this season,” states Coach Bingaman. Many other returnees will look to add their experience in different ways this season. Carlye Bianco ’13 (Eatontown, NJ -- Monmouth Regional) who served a midfield role last season will be moved to a defensive position for the Soaring Eagles while Natty Volger ’13 (Wellsboro, PA -- Wellsboro), Erin Pruess ’12 (Glens Falls, NY -- Glens Falls), Alexis Moody ’13 (Naugatuck, CT -- Naugatuck) and Caitlin Eno ’13 (Attleboro, MA -- Attleboro) will all be able to add to the team’s strength and success by filling a multitude of roles throughout the season. Adding to the mix of returning athletes are the two goalkeepers, Karissa Wilson ’12 (Londonderry, NH -- Londonderry) and Megan Lowe ’13 (Leroy, NY -- Leroy). Both Wilson and Lowe gained valuable playing experience last season and will be working hard to earn a starting position this season.

The Soaring Eagles returning roster has great talent, heart and experience in which to set the foundation for a successful 2010 campaign. However, it is with the flux of incoming players that all the goals of the Elmira College Women’s Soccer Team are possible.

These incoming players will make their mark during the Soaring Eagles first game on September 1st. “We are so fortunate to have the quality players entering this season. They will be counted upon from the first contest to add to this roster and I am certain that a few will secure staring positions by that time,” remarks Coach Bingaman. The Class of 2014 comes in with an impressive resume. With many players serving as captains for past teams, earning All-Conference, All-City, MVP awards, and becoming record holders at their secondary schools this group is eager to impress. Kelsie DeKarski ’14 (Marshfield, MA -- Marshfield), and Ansara Persad ’14 (Fair Lawn, NJ -- Fair Lawn), will add to the front line. Both DeKarski and Persad have a knack for finding the back of the net. Six of the members of the Class of 2014 come in with midfield experience: Emily Karpinski ’14 (Freehold, NJ -- Red Bank), Cassidy Pickles ’14 (Germantown, MD -- Clarksburg), Mikayla Bean ’14 (Williamson, NY -- Williamson), Kelsey Peebles ’14 (Marathon, NY -- Marathon Central), Sarah Kropf ’14 (Catasaugua, PA -- Catasaugua) and Lauren Barnett ’14 (Clinton, CT -- Morgan). This experience will allow for much mobility and versatility in the line up. Rounding out the incoming class are three members with defensive experience. Janine Swanson ’14 (Rochester, NY -- Nazareth Academy), Caitlyn Criscuolo ’14 (Chesire, CT -- Chesire), and Emily Kelly ’14 (Rochester, NY -- Nazareth Academy), have each played in both the midfield and defensive units of former teams.

With such a great mix of youth, experience, energy, excitement, dedication, and heart there is no doubt that the 2010 season for the Elmira College Women’s Soccer Team will be anything but successful.

EC Women’s Soccer opens the 2010 campaign as they hit the road to take on Houghton College on Wednesday, September 1st at 7:00 p.m.