The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/157974
T By Jacey Zembal he NC State women's soccer program is starting a new era under first-year head coach Tim Santoro. The Wolfpack finished 5‑14 overall and 0-10 in the ACC last year, which spelled the end for head coach Steve Springthorpe. In four years with the Wolfpack, Springthorpe produced a record of 30‑43‑4. ■PREVIEW women's soccer New Beginning First-Year Head Coach Tim Santoro Is Ushering In A Culture Change Santoro was hired by NC State Nov. 30, and he is methodically starting to change the culture in the program. Santoro learned every aspect of being a future head coach during his five years as an assistant at Wake Forest, and he also was at College of Charleston from 2001-08. "The girls have bought into the change," Santoro said. "We have not only changed a lot of the personnel from when I've gotten here, but we have a new coaching staff, new support staff and trainer. Everything is new and the girls have adapted great, and came in prepared and worked hard. "It's just a process and we are in the middle of that process. Success breeds suc- Noting The Pack • The ACC is loaded as usual and paced by defending national champion North Carolina. Santoro used a football analogy for what his program will be experiencing. "When you are in the ACC for women's soccer, it is comparable to the SEC in college football," Santoro said. "You don't just come in at the bottom and build a powerhouse." The additions of Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and Syracuse will change the ACC, especially the Fighting Irish, a traditional national power. "Most people think Notre Dame will be a top-five, top-three team this year," Santoro said."It's going to be the toughest it has been just because of Notre Dame. Syracuse and Pitt aren't on that level, but they have improved and will be able to improve their recruiting. They can sell the ACC in recruiting." • NC State maybe didn't have as much on-field success as preferred last year, but 10 of the players earned a spot on the ACC All-Academic squad. Meagan Proper led the squad after being listed to the honor roll for the fourth time in as many years, while Rachel Harris, Kasey Koballa and Jennie Krauser each received recognition for the second time in their careers. Shannon Cleaver, Leighanne Davis, Alex McCauley, Maryalice McKenna, Michelle Oestreich and Madison Shaw were all listed as first-time honorees. All but Davis, McCauley, McKenna and Shaw return for this season. • The Wolfpack lost eight players — six rising sophomores and two juniors — from last year's team, which featured zero seniors. NCSU has five seniors and eight juniors this season, including four redshirt juniors. Redshirt junior forward Jennie Krauser rebounded from a knee injury in 2011 to lead the Wolfpack in scoring last year, notching five goals and two assists for 12 points. Photo by Karl DeBlaker/nc state media relations 70 ■ the wolfpacker 70-71.Women's Soccer Preview.indd 70 8/23/13 2:47 PM