Krul feels UMPI ready to contend

    The coach of the University of Maine at Presque Isle women’s soccer team is looking forward to a strong season in 2008.    “I am highly pleased with the group of athletes that we have this year and am anticipating an exciting season of soccer,” said Tammy Krul. “Their work ethic in practice and desire to win has been so inspiring for me as a coach. With the depth of talented players we have this season and their willingness to train hard, I think we have the winning formula needed to make it to our conference championships.”
    The squad returns a core of strong players. Leading the way is co-captain Billie Martin, a goalkeeper from Caribou. Martin, sidelined with an injury for the Owls first three matches, has the ability to make the big plays and is a great leader for her Owl team, both on and off the field.  
    Co-captain Makayla Gahagan, also from Caribou, was elected “most inspiring player” by her teammates last season. Gahagan is a gifted marking back with natural defending insight; her positive communication helps to keep her teammates organized on the field.
    Senior Erin Pelletier of Madawaska was the Owls’ leading goal scorer last season and has really worked hard in the offseason to maximize her scoring opportunities. Pelletier is a huge asset to the UMPI women’s program and Coach Krul is expecting great things from her this season.
    Katie Moody, a junior from Presque Isle, is also a returning player from last year’s squad and has the talent and ability to play at a variety of positions, but because of her strong work ethic and poise on the field, she will be called upon to focus on the defensive end of the field.
    Jessica Kinney of Caribou and Chelsea Boudreau of Nova Scotia are the playmakers and shared the title of “rookie of the year” from the previous season. Together they control the midfield and both distribute the ball very well.  They both have put in a great deal of time and effort in the off season to improve their strength, conditioning, and first touch.
    The last returning player from last season is Mindy Dolley from LaGrange. Dolley has the ability to play a variety of positions and is a strong athlete who works hard to win 50-50 balls on the field.
    A top recruit for the 2008 season was forward Desiree Smith from Thomaston. Smith is a quick, tenacious, and explosive player that compliments the existing front line. Her style of play will give the Owl team a boost when needed. “She has transitioned quite well from high school soccer to the more physical and quicker-paced college game,” commented Krul.             Freshmen Carmen Allen from Presque Isle, Jackie Raymond of Ashland, Victoria Tracy from Sangerville, and sophomore Kyla Ayotte from Van Buren will add great depth to the defensive line this season.
    Newcomers who will round out the midfield and front line are Olivia Jameson of Friendship, Amber Bradley from Mars Hill and Bethany Belanger of Vassalboro.
    The new UMPI backup keeper is freshman Carolynn Tuck of Brewer. Tuck, who replaced the injured Martin earlier in the season, is confident and distributes the ball exceptionally well.         “In my recruiting effort this year, I looked for solid athletes who had reputations of being the hardest workers on their team,” remarked Krul. “It’s much easier for me to teach technique than it is to teach heart. These girls not only push themselves to improve, but they push each other as well in a positive way.”