Photo by: Jeff Sochko - DavidsonPhotos.com
Denton Encouraged By Early Soccer Workouts
9/14/2020 1:09:00 PM | Women's Soccer
The 2019 women's soccer season was one of breakthroughs, as Davidson put together its best season in nearly a decade and finished 8-8-3.
But for coach Adam Denton, the results of last fall were not solely contained to 2019. They were achieved through a multi-year process, including skill repetition and addressing game situations in practice.
"The big strides I felt that we made were in our offseason training and our spring training," he said. "They were the things that gave us that platform to push on in the fall."
The Wildcats are hopeful to continue their rise when play resumes this year. While 2020 has certainly provided its share of unique challenges and ultimately a postponed season, Denton likes what the team has shown in the face of adversity. Much of that has come off the field, as workouts have only recently resumed.
Throughout the spring, as players returned to their hometowns, technology allowed them to remain tight with one another. Team Zoom calls were critical, but the team bonds showed beyond the scheduled group meetings and conversations.
"We were extremely close as a team," said Denton. "If anything, I think we've become closer. Everyone's leaned on each other and been supportive of each other."
Now, the team is working out together on campus, and life is different. There are no matches on the fall calendar, and masks, social distancing and an adjusted academic schedule are the new norms. But the Wildcats are getting their non-contact work in small groups, having phased into that after individual skill development.
"They've done phenomenally well over the first couple of weeks," said Denton. "It's a real testament to what they've done over the summer and since March."
Seven starters return from a year ago, including All-Atlantic 10 goalkeeper Mary Grace Bunch and Keeley Copper, Grace Voss and Katherine Smith in the back. Sophia Caruso, Hailey Braemer and senior captain Gretchen Pearson return in the midfield, and the Wildcats are hopeful the results of 2019 represent not only a new standard, but also another step in the climb to A-10 contention.
"The hope is we can continually be there," said Denton. "Now, we've had that experience. We've been that close. We want to continue to build on that."
But for coach Adam Denton, the results of last fall were not solely contained to 2019. They were achieved through a multi-year process, including skill repetition and addressing game situations in practice.
"The big strides I felt that we made were in our offseason training and our spring training," he said. "They were the things that gave us that platform to push on in the fall."
The Wildcats are hopeful to continue their rise when play resumes this year. While 2020 has certainly provided its share of unique challenges and ultimately a postponed season, Denton likes what the team has shown in the face of adversity. Much of that has come off the field, as workouts have only recently resumed.
Throughout the spring, as players returned to their hometowns, technology allowed them to remain tight with one another. Team Zoom calls were critical, but the team bonds showed beyond the scheduled group meetings and conversations.
"We were extremely close as a team," said Denton. "If anything, I think we've become closer. Everyone's leaned on each other and been supportive of each other."
Now, the team is working out together on campus, and life is different. There are no matches on the fall calendar, and masks, social distancing and an adjusted academic schedule are the new norms. But the Wildcats are getting their non-contact work in small groups, having phased into that after individual skill development.
"They've done phenomenally well over the first couple of weeks," said Denton. "It's a real testament to what they've done over the summer and since March."
Seven starters return from a year ago, including All-Atlantic 10 goalkeeper Mary Grace Bunch and Keeley Copper, Grace Voss and Katherine Smith in the back. Sophia Caruso, Hailey Braemer and senior captain Gretchen Pearson return in the midfield, and the Wildcats are hopeful the results of 2019 represent not only a new standard, but also another step in the climb to A-10 contention.
"The hope is we can continually be there," said Denton. "Now, we've had that experience. We've been that close. We want to continue to build on that."
Players Mentioned
F/MF
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
MF
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
MF
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
D
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