Going into her second season at the helm of the Spring Hill College women’s soccer team, Head Coach Samantha Thomsit sat down for a Q&A previewing the 2023 season.

How is the preseason going for your team?
“In terms of the physically demanding side of the training, we’ve had 11 practices in six days the lows have been 85 degrees while the highs have been 102 degrees. I’ve been really proud of the team, I haven’t heard a single complaint so far. In terms of dealing with the heat and demand of the preseason [schedule] I’ve been really proud of the group. In terms of the technical and tactical side of the game, we had 13 returners and we’ve added 13 new players, so we’re split right down the middle. We’ve got a good understanding of what we’re trying to do with the returners, but sticking 13 new players in there is definitely an adjustment. If you watch us play right now, I think you would know who has a really good understanding and who is still learning.”

What are some adjustments going into this season?
“The biggest adjustment is going to be having more depth, having that good quality coming off the bench and making the games better. I’m thinking strength in numbers, having those players come off the bench and make impacts. That’s not just in the wide areas, it’s central areas too. We’ve got opportunities for better rotations. I think we’ve added quality on the ball and speed, even with our fullback positions.”

Who do you see emerging as team leaders?
“Frida Halvarsson brings such a positive attitude and temperament to the team. I think in terms of leadership from the very start, Hannah Pitts has been leading. She’s gotten these girls going from the start, she was probably the only returner that was around with the internationals at move-in. She was leading the way and helping, pretty much an extension of the coaching staff at that point. In terms of on the field, I think one of those leaders we’d love to see emerge a little more is Poppy Binding. She’s got the skill set and the skills on the field for it. She’s very positive as well and she leads by example, so we could see Hannah, Poppy and a few others that could be potential captians.”

What are some goals for the team going into the season?
“If we’re talking about the overall season, I think the big one for us that we would love to do is qualify for the Gulf South Conference tournament. That would be a huge step up in terms of where this program is going, so I think that’s the biggest goal on the horizon.”

What are you most excited for this season?
“Just winning games, trying to get some wins under our belt and taking the program in a positive direction. I’m looking forward to making this team better and continuing to establish ourselves in the Gulf South Conference.”

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