With Esterly at helm, women’s soccer looks to make strides

Ellen Fonte
Last Updated Sunday, 29 August 2010 13:43
the jist


With the start of yet another school year just around the corner, F&M’s women’s soccer team begins its season



With the start of yet another school year just around the corner, F&M’s women’s soccer team begins its season with a new coach and a new positive outlook for 2010.



Bill Esterly, a 1993 graduate of Alfred University, became the ninth head coach of the women’s soccer team over the summer after previous head coach BJ Atkins departed, and he brings with him a successful coaching resume and leadership. 


In 2005, he assisted the women’s soccer team at Gettysburg as they won the ECAC South Region Championship. Esterly then went on to join the men’s staff at York College after a year at Gettysburg. The program was one of NCAA Division III’s top programs with Esterly on the coaching staff. 


Since April 2008, Esterly has been the Technical Director of LANCO United, where he directs a staff of 22 coaches that helps develop youth soccer players. Because of this experience and commitment, the team excitedly welcomed Esterly to F&M. 


“The new coaching staff has been fantastic so far [this season],” said Bailey Huber ’12, co-captain. “It is very exciting to have a new direction and to be learning new philosophies. The new coaching staff has already meshed well with the team to create a positive and creative atmosphere.” 


As only two players graduated last season and the team has added 11 freshmen, the squad is strong and already meshing together as a unit. Huber said preseason proved to be very successful in building a solid foundation for the team on and off the field. 


Once play started, the team scrimmaged Susquehanna University during the preseason and defeated the Crusaders 6-0. This was a great confidence booster for the Diplomats as it showed the team’s potential and gave them a solid base to work off of and improve on for the upcoming 2010 season. 


“I think this season is going to be tremendously better than last year in terms of our record,” said Jess House ’12. “I hope the scrimmage dictates the way the rest of the season will be.”


As with any team, women’s soccer is working toward a winning season and a trip to the playoffs. Huber feels the best way to do this is to establish a connected and cohesive team. 


“I am so happy to have the new coaching staff with a new direction and to have some bright and talented freshmen joining our team,” she added. “I look forward to winning games and surprising teams we lost to last year. It is going to be an amazing season.”


The Diplomats have their first game of the season Saturday, Sept. 4 at Widener University.



CONNECT ON FACEBOOK

blog comments powered by Disqus