WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Midwestern State is a team in transition heading into the 2010 campaign.
The Mustangs are the exactly reciprocal of last season's squad which posted a school record 11 shutouts on their way to a No. 10 national ranking before faltering late in the year to finish 13-5-2.
The 2009 featured a salty senior back line of Kat Bernick, Megan Hanlon, Amy Smith and Jaime Pompey to support the goalkeeping tandem of senior Ashley Meek and freshman Mallory Whitworth.
Whitworth, who led the Lone Star Conference with a school record goals against average 0.53, is the lone returner from the key group.
"It will be fun to see her compete this season," MSU coach Jeff Trimble said. "We'll rely on her a little more than in the past. Mallory will have a little more pressure on her this year, but I'm confident she will respond."
The back line may be the key to the success of the Mustangs, but that's only because the team is loaded with talented newcomers as the team also makes the transition from a 4-4-2 to the 4-3-3.
Senior center mid Kendra Clemons keys the middle as the unquestioned leader of the team.
"Kendra is ultra competitive and a great leader on the field," Trimble said. "She's a complete player and our most talented player."
The Mustangs enjoy depth and quality starters in the midfield as Clemons is flanked by a pair of four-year starters in Brittany Subia and Brandy O'Neal. Both have earned all-conference honors during their stay at MSU.
Up front, Midwestern sports a trio of talented strikers led on the outside by former all-region selection Kelsey Hill as the junior has connected for 25 goals over the past two seasons.
She is joined on the outside by Lindsay Pritchard who closed strong to finish with seven goals last season, while Maddie Fraser moves forward to take over the withdrawn forward spot after notching two assists as a reserve midfielder last season.
The sophomore quartet of Alyssa Dillman, Megan Barnhart, Brittany Martinez and Hanna Staley form the Mustangs' new back line unit.
"This group is very good athletically overall and good in the air," Trimble said. "They will need to gain some valuable experience very quickly."
Midwestern State opens the 2010 campaign with games against Truman (Mo.) Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. and Nebraska-Omaha Sunday at noon in the Broncho Invitational hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma.
Both games will be played at Tom Thompson Field.
Position Breakdown
Goalkeeper
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Key Facts: Whitworth takes over starting keeper responsibilities after gaining All-Lone Star Conference honorable mention as a reserve last season. She limited opponents to a 0.53 goals against average.
Trimble says: "It will be fun to see her compete this season. We'll rely on her a little more than in the past. She'll have a little more pressure on her this year, but I am confident she will respond."
Reserves: Kallie Essary, Alexa McMonagle
Key Facts: Essary has been one of the surprises of the preseason as a true freshman out of Hebron (Texas) High School, while McMonagle has worked through injury to secure the third keeper position.
Trimble says: "Kallie is technically sound with great hands and good reactions. Alexa is an athletic keeper and we look for good things from her in the future."
Defenders
Key Facts: Both players are making a position change as Dillman earned time at outside mid as a true frosh last season. Martinez, the younger sister of former men's standout Brian, makes move from center back.
Trimble says: "Alyssa goes forward very well and is quick and speedy. She's a good, hard-nosed aggressive defender making the move from outside mid last season. Brittany is a smart player and is making the move from center back. She makes great decisions, wins the ball in the air and distributes well from the back."
Center Back Starters: Hanna Staley, Megan Barnhart
Key Facts: Staley showed potential in 10 starts as a center back in 2008 before injuries wiped out last season. Barnhart makes the transformation after appearing in 16 matches as a forward last season.
Trimble says: "Hanna has good size and wins the ball in the air. She will be one of our leaders in the back. Megan is another of our surprises and is a natural defender. She's aggressive, very skilled and good in the air. She's just a good soccer player."
Reserves: Berklee Dressler, Anna Molen, Julie Bell, Heidi Avila
Trimble Says: "Berklee has good speed and could compete for time this year. Anna comes from a good program and is a smart defender. Julie gives us very good speed and is a great athlete. Heidi demonstrates good decision making and has the ability to attack out of the back."
Midfielders
Key Facts: The duo has combined to start 87 games over the last three years.
Trimble says: "Brittany is a very quick player with skill and experience. Brandy is very intense, fast player who always gives 100 percent. She's a very skilled soccer player."
Central Midfield Starter: Kendra Clemons
Key Facts: Clemons is a two-time all-region performer who has shown the versatility and skill to play at a high level both at center back and central mid.
Key Facts: Senior Jordan Smith leads the group of reserves having played in 59 matches in her opening three seasons at MSU. Haley Crandall makes the move from forward while Emily Whisenhunt transfer in from UTA, but last played at Concordia in Austin.
Trimble says: "Haley makes great decisions on the field. Leisha has good soccer knowledge and is a good passer. Jordan will get a lot of time on the field; she's one of our best passers, has a great shot and makes very sound decisions. Caroline has great size and speed, very good athletically and takes people on with the ball well. Emily is a strong soccer player who has good touch. Lainie is a blue collar player who is great in the air. She will be a good player to watch for the next few years to come. Emily is good with the ball at her feet and takes people on very well."
Forwards
Key Facts: Hill and Pritchard return as MSU's top two scorers from a season ago.
Trimble says: "Kelsey is a complete forward. She is very dangerous with great size and speed. She really worked on her fitness level and comes in as one of the most respected forwards in the LSC. I'm expected really good things from Lindsay. She has the best shot on the team and takes people on exceptionally well. She will be very dangerous this year."
Withdrawn Forward Starter: Maddie Fraser
Key Facts: Sophomore makes the move up front after dishing out two assists as a reserve midfielder as a frosh in 2009.
Key Facts: Sophomore Audra Jesse leads a youthful, but athletic group of reserve strikers.
Trimble says: "Courtney has good speed and shot and makes great decisions. Audra is good in the air and holds the ball real well. Jeri is a good, good finisher who makes good decisions with the ball at her feet. Mickey has great speed, good finishing ability and loves to take people on."
