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By: Kaylee Darnell
Sports Editor
The Titans women’s soccer team has officially begun their 2022 season and is working to keep building their team strength and winning record.
The team had struggles in previous years due to Covid-19, which resulted in the loss of a season and then starting from scratch again the next year.
“We brought in some talented recruits this year to add to a core group of returning players that battled last year. Starting a program through Covid has been challenging, but we’re definitely on the right track and excited to work with this group during the fall, but also to lay the foundation for future Titans to compete for CCAC championships,” Bobby Barnes, head soccer coach, said, referring to the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
With the program still early in its development, Coach Barnes said they are still looking to fill spots on the team to grow their roster and their talent.
“We are always looking to add quality student athletes,” Coach Barnes said. “Last year we added three or four in early September and they were nice additions.” Coach Barnes added that students interested in joining the soccer team can contact him at bobarnes@iu.edu for more information about the process.
Coach Barnes said he is working to create a winning mindset, mentality, and reality for his team this season, and believes the 2023 recruiting class looks to be very talented and should help them reach their goals sooner rather than later.
“Since the program is still fairly new and we are in the process of building it, I am expecting it to be a tough season, but I feel there will be a lot of growth to come with the hard work that we are putting into every practice and game,” freshman soccer player, Haylie Marsch, said.
The team is working during practice to achieve their overall goal of getting better every day, to lay the foundation for the program, and to set standards on and off the field in attitude, work ethic, community service, and being great teammates.
“This group has been a pleasure to work with and I am excited to [see] where they are taking the program. The parents have been great as well. On a side note, the backing from Chancellor Elrod and Athletic Director Steve Bruce has been first class. We are fortunate here at IUSB to have them both,” Coach Barnes said.
If you are interested in catching an IU South Bend women’s soccer game – or want any other information about athletics at IU South Bend – visit IUSBTitans.com for season schedules and more.
