Campus News

2009 End-of-Season Q & A with head coach Paul Grant:

An end-of-season review with ETBU head coach Paul Grant, who was named the 2009 ASC Women's Soccer Coach of the Year:



Q: At the end of your third season as coach, what are you pleased with in terms of improvement in the overall program from when you first arrived in 2007?

A: The main thing is the number of players in the program has about doubled since I first arrived and the players we are now recruiting have better skills and speed. The overall attitude and dedication of the players is greatly improved and all seem to have the same goal which is to do what is best for the program. Finally, we are much more competitive and are winning more than others in the conference thought we would. We have found ways to wins games this year and I doubt we will be overlooked by others next year.



Q: How were your expectations from the beginning of the season met in terms of what you thought you had with this particular recruiting class?

A: Having seen many play previously in tournaments and high school games, I did have high expectations that they would successfully make the transition from high school to college soccer. Without question, they have exceeded my expectations and our team will now be able to compete in the conference with anyone. This recruiting class has set a standard which we must continue to meet in future recruiting classes.



Q: What were some things you learned about this particular group that you didn’t know going into the season?

A: There are a couple of areas I have been extremely happy with. First, this group is a very athletic, competitive group. They have excellent team speed and, as such, we can now run with any team in this conference. The other, and probably most important, is that everyone gets along with each other. This results in outstanding team chemistry and a positive winning attitude. For these girls, play soccer is fun and so is winning.



Q: Talk about the contributions and accomplishments of your two upperclassmens.

A: I cannot say enough about what these two ladies have done and meant for this program over the past three seasons. (Jacqui Saling) has done so many little things off the field and probably doesn’t even know I am aware of all she has done. She took her own time over the past 3 season to work out with individual players in order to make them better and help them become more competitive. Her presence and leadership on the field will greatly be missed as well as her wry humor.

Naturally, (Jenna Jones) has been an outstanding player on the field and has been recognized as such by the American Southwest Conference. But, and probably more important, she is one of the best players I’ve ever had who did more for the team off the field than on. It will be some time before anyone will be able to match all she has done. Jenna has put her heart and soul into this program and has contributed in so many ways which will allow this program to continue to grow.



Q: What are some things you are looking to improve on going into 2010.

A: We have begun to restore this program and must to continue to build on the success we have had this year. There is still work to be done and we need to continue to bring in better players so we will be able to move to the next level. Speed and size are important elements to a program as well as finding a player who is a pure goal scorer. Maintaining an atmosphere of success and developing a winning culture is extremely important. Winning is contagious and we have to work in all areas in order for that to happen.



Q: Being named Coach of the Year, what are your feelings on being honored with such an award?

A: It was a surprise and an honor. To only be around for three seasons and know you’ve earned the respect of your fellow coaches is quiet humbling. But, in all honesty, there are many others who are involved and such an award should be shared with the players, my assistant coach, trainers, parents, and school staff. The success of this program is truly based on many varied factors and unselfish involvement. We are a team, we are one.