Taliaferro Looks Ahead to 2007 Soccer Season

8/23/07

With the start of the season just over a week away, Hurricanesports.com sat down with head University of Miami soccer coach Tricia Taliaferro to get her thoughts on the upcoming season.



With 13 returning players and 12 newcomers comprising the 2007 squad, the Hurricanes could be a very different team from last season. What do you think the biggest change will be? How would you compare this team to those you have coached in the past?



“I am very excited to add the new players to the squad. The 13 returning players have really worked hard over the last year and I expect the newcomers to fit perfectly in the system. Everyone in this program is invested in achieving our goals and I think the group will continue to have great chemistry. This team is very special in the aspect of caring so deeply for each other and the willingness to do whatever is needed. I have never in all my years of coaching had a group so determined on so many levels.”



You have one of the nation's top 25 recruiting classes coming in this season. Is there anyone you expect to contribute immediately? Who do you think will make the greatest impact? How do you think these 12 newcomers will mesh with the returning players?



“We have a very talented class coming in and I honestly expect any one of them to make an impact immediately. I believe every great player wants to play and contribute in games, and it is my responsibility to add those who will compete for a starting position. It can be very challenging to perform at a high level over a period of time—and experience is definitely part of the maturing process. Being able to handle the pressure of a competitive environment—and being consistent in that environment—takes true commitment and discipline. The returning players have been through the program and know what to expect and will serve as mentors for the newcomers. We have a very healthy and competitive balance, and any player has the opportunity to come in and succeed. All the players I have in this class understand what it takes to be part of Miami soccer.”



For the first time since taking over the UM soccer program in 2002, you have a team that is made up entirely of "your players"—talent that you and your staff has recruited. How do you think this will affect the success of the program in 2007?



“It takes about five years to get a team culture in place when you take over a program. Each class you recruit brings in a little more of what you want as a coach. Each coach across the country is attracted to a certain type of player to fit their philosophy. It has been my focus from day one to recruit the most quality person first, someone willing to work hard, be selfless and take pride in being the most successful person they can be on and off the field. I really enjoy my players and I am happy to have such a good team culture in place.”



What is the mindset of the team as it enters 2007? Are there any specific goals?



“This team is made up of very driven and hard working players and coaches. Everyone on the team is very prideful, and our mindset is to do whatever it takes to be successful in the ACC and the NCAA. The players have put their trust in each other and will contribute their strengths to the whole team. That dedication has created a team which has never been as strong. Our goal is to consistently be one of the top programs in the country on a year to year basis.”



Heading into the season, how would you describe the style of play you expect to implement? What will be the team's strength?



“Expect to see a very fast, exciting, organized, savvy and driven team step on the field every match. You will feel the passion and energy from every player wearing a University of Miami jersey. We will attack and defend as a group and will definitely take chances to score goals.”



The Hurricanes return their top two scorers from 2006 in Rachael Rigamat and Paulelett Ricks-Chambers. Who else do you expect to be key offensively in the coming season?



“My coaching staff and I reviewed the last season and made a decision to focus on finishing during spring practice. We are not satisfied in just creating scoring chances. We need to work on finding a way to put the ball in the goal—no matter what it takes to finish the opportunity that has developed. Courtney Alexander and Sammy Sanderson have emerged, joining Rachael and Paulelett as players we can count on to be a dangerous threat on a consistent basis.”



Miami will have experience in the net with the return of goalkeeper Lauren McAdam. How does her experience help the defense? Who else can be expected to contribute greatly in that area?



“Lauren has developed into one of the top goalkeepers in the country because of her presence and ability to communicate with the defense. She demands excellence of the players around her, and the team has a tremendous amount of respect for her in return. I am very pleased with Corynn Carino and her development as a center back over the past year, and I am proud to name her a new captain.”



Once again the ACC has been ranked first among the 31 division conferences in terms of pulling together the best recruiting classes. What is it about the ACC that makes it so appealing for young players to be part of? What makes it exciting for you—as a coach—to be part of the ACC?



“It is simple really. If you look at what the ACC and its 11 member schools have accomplished, it is clear why any player would want to be a part of it. The ACC's achievements are spectacular—140 All-Americans, 19 National Players of the Year, eight National Rookies of the Year and 34 Academic All-Americans. I have been very fortunate to have played in the ACC as a collegiate athlete and I now cherish the opportunity to coach among the best coaches and players in the country.”