Aug. 16, 2007

DAYTON, Ohio - The University of Dayton Women's soccer team has been back in action since Tuesday this week practicing twice a day in preparation for the team's upcoming season. The Flyers will take to Baujan Field in exhibition action on Saturday, August 18 at 1 p.m. against the London City Supernova. DaytonFlyers.com brings the first update of the women's preseason activities through a daily journal kept by senior midfielder Kristen Persichini.

Day 1: Monday, August 13
On Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. we were up a ready to move into our houses. Finally, it was our senior year, and we couldn't wait! I met all my roommates, Abril (Carbajal) and Jen (Leslie), with the exception of Natalia (Walters) because she would not be coming to move in on time due to an injury. The night before, we loaded up five separate cars, trucks, and SUVS. Really whatever we could find, in order to be ready for move in on Monday. We were all very excited and anxious to move in.

At two o'clock we had to meet everyone for the team picture. It is usually the same every year. We stand outside on our beautiful field in full uniform sweating our tushies off until hopefully we have enough options to find one picture where everyone looks decent. After the picture we had our team meeting. This is always a good time because we get to meet all the new freshman. Then finally after the meeting is over we get to have our cookout with the parents. Coach (George) Demetriades always fires up the grill. He can sure cook a mean bratwurst. It is always great because the kids eat first and then the parents get whatever is left. Our parents are pretty good cooks too so for some of us it's our last home cooked food for awhile. After we introduce everyone and our parents we end the meeting so that we can all go home and go to bed, after all the fitness test is at 7 a.m. the next day.

Day 2: Tuesday, August 14
We all woke up bright and early at 7 a.m. in order to run the fitness test. Even though we have trained all summer for this moment it is still very nerve racking. However, this year we had some of the best results ever in the last four years. I was so proud of everyone.

Later in the day we had our first practice. We only played an 8 v 8 tournament so it wasn't too strenuous, but still good competition. It was great to finally see some of the new freshmen play and see how they will shape into excellent players and play important roles immediately. I can't wait for the rest of preseason, because it is my last one. I am looking forward to all the fun times during the season and can't wait for more memories!!!