Baker Women’s Soccer are currently halfway through their fall season. With new head coach, Sean McAlister, he provided insight into how his new team looks and his excitement for being titled head coach.
“When AD Susan Decker called, I was nervous but instantly excited when she offered the position. She allowed me time to think it over with family, but knew things were set on our end and instantly said yes and thank you. Hanging up the phone and sitting for a second was rewarding, then dove into the task at hand to prepare for the Fall.” McAlister said.
As fall kicked off August 21st, the Wildcats are currently 3-5-2, losing close games to very solid teams. Even with losses, we’ve seen improvement in certain statistical areas.
Two key areas of improvement are shot percentage and assists. Shot percentage improved from .106 last year to .236 this year. Assists improved from 10 last year to 13 just over half way in the season.
With new staff and players in the program, the standard is going to be different.
“This year the goal for this year is to host a playoff game. If you are able to do that, that means you’ve done the hard work in a tough Heart conference. The post season is a whole new season and you take things one step at a time there. This team has a mix of everything, young players, experienced players and all-conference caliber players. We need to stick together and be us for the things we want.” McAlister said.
This is a very young team compared to past teams. With half of the team being underclassmen this team has a lot of time to grow. The team having very few seniors allows for the underclass men to showcase their skills. Sophomore Edissa Bain, Freshmen Carys English and Freshman Naomi Harris-Hyche are examples of the youth, but they aren’t role players, they are all 3 current starters for the team. Freshman Harris-Hyche currently leads the team with 6 goals.
McAlister is not a new face to the program. He’s been here currently since 2013 as the Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach and is a Baker Alumni graduating in 2012. Prior to coaching at Baker, he had a few stints in other soccer and high school programs.
Having been with the men’s team the last 12 years, translating to the women’s team has not been a major change.
“Coaching wise, the training, tactics, expectations, and standards are the same. We want to be successful on and off the field and be an outstanding program representing Baker. One difference between the two is the relationship side, more inside jokes have been a fun addition.” McAlister said.
With 7 games left to play plus the postseason. McAlister and the team have high aspirations on and off the field.
“Create professionals on and off the field while developing great people that believe in a winning mindset, built on hard work, relationships, and enjoyment of the game.” McAlister said.
