Liberty University Women’s Soccer team looks foward to the 2019 season
The Liberty women’s soccer team spent its offseason focusing on one aspect of their team philosophy: building a culture where everyone believes each game is an attainable victory.
Despite a demanding season schedule where non-conference powerhouses are listed regularly, including Duke, North Carolina and the University of Virginia, the players are confident in their ability to compete and win because of their culture of competition and mental toughness.
Junior defender Cora Duininck said that much of this offseason has been dedicated to developing relationships within the team.
“We have been working on building team culture and chemistry,” Duininck said. “We’re formulating team culture to grow and win the ASUN conference.”
COMPETITION — The Lady Flames ended their first ASUN season with a 6-11 record.
Head Coach Lang Wedemeyer echoed Duininck’s emphasis on formulating a team culture where victory is achievable, no matter the opponent.
“First and foremost, we want to execute our system of playing consistently,” Wedemeyer said. “We have a clear understanding of our vision and mission and a higher level of belief.”
With notable non-conference opponents such as Virginia Tech, UVA and the University of Pittsburg as well as the usual ASUN opponents of Florida Gulf Coast and Lipscomb, this mentality is essential to success.
Senior forward Gabrielle Farrell mentioned how strong relationships among the players are vital to building this type of successful culture.
“The relationships this year are so tight-knit,” Farrell remarked. “Those relationships will translate to the field.”
Going into the season, the goal of this emphasis on culture in preseason is to positively influence the team chemistry and create a greater degree of motivation and passion for the game.
While the team continues to build this mindset and culture throughout the season, the ultimate goal is simple: glorifying God. Both Farrell and Duininck expressed that playing for God was the ultimate purpose for their season.
“We’re doing our best to glorify God,” Farrell said. “When we step on the field, we play for an audience of one.”
“We play as an act of worship,” Duininck said.
Though continuing to grow their culture during a difficult schedule will be a challenge, the team is confident in its ability to be successful despite the hard games and limited breaks.