Four years ago Trevecca
Athletic Director Alan Smith added men's and women's soccer to the
athletics program. At that time Stan Herod accepted the coaching job
for both teams. Now, four seasons later, Herod is seeing both
programs become contenders.
"We're a stronger team overall," Herod says. "This team will
produce its first graduating class, players who have been here for
four years, and seeing that kind of commitment is good."
Commitment, one of the values Herod is urging his team to
concentrate on this season, has been one of the key elements in the
success of the women's soccer program. Herod is also using biblical
teachings to motivate the veteran team.
"2 Chronicles 16:9 is our motto for the year this season," Herod
says. "It shows what happens when we become fully committed." That
verse, which says "The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in
order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him .
. . ," will be used by both the men's and women's teams. For the
women's team, that commitment has brought a sense of team chemistry
that includes the entire squad.
"With seven new girls this season, I thought it would be hard to
develop team chemistry," Herod observes, "but we have a strong core
of girls that has remained committed and welcomed the new girls in."
Senior Lady Trojans' Carolyn Pratt, who has been team captain
since the team's inception four years ago, leads a crew of seniors
who strive to excel both on and off the field. "These girls have
given great leadership and exceeded my expectations," states Herod.
"I'm excited to see how their senior season will unfold."
Herod and many others hope to see the team's earning a spot in
the TranSouth Conference Tournament. Facing a strong TranSouth
Conference schedule, the Lady Trojans have a tough road ahead. The
measure of success, however, is judged a bit differently in their
coach's eyes.
"We want to get to the TranSouth Conference Tournament and be
successful on the field," explains Herod, "but I'd also like to see
commitment to each other, the program, and the standards of the
school in each one of my players. The experienced players already
have that commitment, and I want the younger kids to see it."
