Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

New coach hopes for team’s success

With a new coach and new team members, Point Park University’s women’s soccer team is kicking off their season with many changes.            Perhaps the biggest change for the team this year is Mark Platts, the head coach.  Although Platts served as assistant coach at his alma mater, Walsh University, and head coach of the boy’s soccer team at Marlington High School in Alliance, OH. This is the first time he will hold the position of head coach at the college level.  Platts also played defense of midfield at various levels throughout England and the United States. Replacing Jeroen Walstra, who is now the head coach for the men’s soccer team at Point Park, Platts brings a new personality and attitude to the team.            “I feel that the college level is no longer teaching players about soccer individually, but rather finding a way to best have 11 players working together,” Platts said. “By the time many players are in college they know the game; now it is a matter of getting to know each other and their strengths and weaknesses to bring out the best in each other.”Platts appreciates the value of hard work and the importance of a unified team.”I thought that team building was important and also got that feedback from the returning players.  So, we went camping [and] they had to sleep outside, build the fire [and] cook the food, etc.  I think the players enjoyed it, although they might not admit it,” Platts said.            The team members seem to be embracing the new attitudes and ideas Platts brings to the field.            “He is coming in with open eyes not, knowing anybody,” senior midfielder Amanda Trainor said.            “Everyone has to prove themselves again.  [Platts] has new and different ways of doing everything which really changed the play.”            Another major change the team will experience this season is its players, including eight new incoming freshmen.            “College soccer is really different from high school soccer, effort-wise,” freshman defender Alyssa Larkin said.  So far, she says the team scrimmages are “more competitive and much better played” than high school soccer scrimmages.            “I am excited for this season,” Platts said. “We have a good group of returning players and a very talented freshman class.”            After the girls’ preseason it is apparent that these changes are having a positive effect on the team after the girls played a rough, injury-filled season the girls played last year, which ended with a score of 2-13-1.            “There is more competition and passion behind the way these girls play,” freshman defender Emily Levier said.  “This team has a very good work ethic and a lot of drive.  It’s a new beginning for the women’s soccer team and everyone on it […] because of all of the freshmen and our new coach. Platts really pushes with a purpose and all of the teammates really care about each other because we all want to win so badly.”            The women’s soccer team can be seen in action at their next home game against Westminster College on Sept. 14.

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