49er women's soccer kicks off first season

Head coach Julie Cochran looks forward to new team

By R. S. Hakes, On-Line Forty-Niner

Tuesday, September 1, 1998

Heads up Long Beach State, there is a new 49er team in town.

Today's competition at Loyola Marymount University will mark the inaugural game for the 49er women's soccer program.

There are a lot of uncertainties surrounding the team as they begin the 1998 season under first-time Head Coach Julie Cochran.

"We will be prepared to do battle and the players will be prepared to do their best . . . "

- Julie Cochran,

head coach, women's soccer

Building a team from the ground up is no easy task, according to Cochran.

"It's creating something out of nothing," Cochran said. "In this case that means everything from building a field, to forming a roster, to designing uniforms, getting equipment and forming a booster club."

As with any new team, opponents may feel that The Beach will not be much of a threat. "We are not going to be a walk-over program, like a lot of people would expect from a first-year program," Cochran said.

"I think we can win a lot of games," she said. "We will always strive for the highest prize that's there. Being pleased with mediocrity is not an option for this team."

The challenge put in front of the women's soccer program this year is an arduous one. The 22 fresh, women players lack the experience of having played together, which can certainly effect the chemistry of any team. Nevertheless, Cochran has confidence in her team's ability to perform.

"We're going to take the schedule one game at a time, and focus on one opponent at a time," she said. "We will be prepared to do battle and the players will be prepared to do their best, and I think that is all you can ask of them."

Cochran has assembled a young team with nine freshmen, nine sophomores, three juniors, and only one senior, Jackie Gardner.

Seventeen of the 22 players are from Los Angeles and Orange counties.

The team suffered a big loss at goal prior to the start of practice sessions when Jihan Elgazzar suffered torn knee ligaments.

The job is now passed on to walk-on freshman Michaeli Ramage. "Michaeli gets more and more confidence every day," Cochran said. "I think she's going to rise to the occasion for us."

The midfielder plays a vital role on a soccer team, since they work both ends of the field. Cochran is impressed with the performance of Caitlin Murphy and Nicole Avila as midfielders. "Murphy and Avila both have an incredible work ethic, and don't ever stop on the field," said Cochran.

As for defense, Cochran looks to fullback Terra Hobbs to lead the defense. For scoring the team will count on forwards Kelli Barrett, Blanka Solano, Lori Harris and Dana Crutchfield.

The 20-game schedule that makes up the 49ers 1998 season will be a great test for the young team.

And as with any new product, only time will tell how the 49ers will hold up to the variety of obstacles that lie ahead.