The Tennessee Tech women's soccer team is a collegiate soccer team that represents Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee. The team competes in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and has a rich history of producing talented players and achieving success on the field.
History of the Program
The Tennessee Tech women's soccer program was established in 1994, and since then, the team has been a consistent competitor in the Ohio Valley Conference. Over the years, the team has had its share of ups and downs, but they have always shown a commitment to excellence and a passion for the sport.
In 2001, the team won its first OVC Tournament title, defeating Eastern Kentucky 2-1 in the championship game. This victory marked a turning point for the program, as it showed that the team had the potential to compete at a high level.
Since then, the team has continued to grow and improve, with several players earning All-OVC honors and one player, Andrea Meloff, being named the OVC Player of the Year in 2007.
Current Team and Coaches
The current Tennessee Tech women's soccer team is led by head coach Steve Springthorpe, who has been at the helm since 2013. Coach Springthorpe has a wealth of experience, having previously coached at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of North Alabama.
The team is comprised of talented players from all over the country, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia. The team's roster includes a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, who are all working together to achieve their goals.
Notable Players and Alumni
The Tennessee Tech women's soccer program has produced several notable players and alumni, including:
- Andrea Meloff, who was named the OVC Player of the Year in 2007 and went on to play professionally for the Atlanta Silverbacks.
- Sarah Gawthrop, who was a two-time All-OVC selection and is now a coach at the University of Tennessee at Martin.
- Taylor Hicks, who was a four-time All-OVC selection and is now a coach at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
These players, along with many others, have helped to establish the Tennessee Tech women's soccer program as a respected and competitive force in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Facilities and Equipment
The Tennessee Tech women's soccer team plays its home games at the Tech Soccer Field, which is located on the university's campus in Cookeville, Tennessee. The field features a natural grass surface and seating for over 1,000 spectators.
The team also has access to state-of-the-art training facilities, including a weight room, a training room, and a soccer-specific training area.
Recruiting and Scholarships
The Tennessee Tech women's soccer program offers scholarships to talented players who are interested in joining the team. The team's coaching staff actively recruits players from all over the country, looking for talented athletes who are committed to excellence both on and off the field.
Players who are interested in joining the team should contact the coaching staff to inquire about available scholarships and the recruiting process.
Camps and Clinics
The Tennessee Tech women's soccer program offers several camps and clinics throughout the year, which are designed to help players improve their skills and learn from experienced coaches.
The team's camps and clinics are open to players of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced. They are a great way for players to learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun playing soccer.
Community Involvement
The Tennessee Tech women's soccer team is committed to giving back to the community. The team participates in several community outreach programs throughout the year, including:
- The United Way's "Read to Succeed" program, which helps to promote literacy among elementary school students.
- The American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" event, which helps to raise money for cancer research.
- The Cookeville Soccer Club's youth soccer clinics, which help to teach young players the fundamentals of the game.
Alumni and Fans
The Tennessee Tech women's soccer program has a loyal group of alumni and fans who support the team throughout the year. The team's alumni association is active and engaged, with several alumni returning to campus each year to watch games and participate in team events.
Fans can follow the team on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news and scores. They can also attend games at the Tech Soccer Field, where they can cheer on the team and show their support.
Future of the Program
The Tennessee Tech women's soccer program is committed to continued excellence and growth. The team's coaching staff is working hard to recruit talented players and build a strong team culture.
The team's future is bright, with several young players returning next season and a strong recruiting class on the way. Fans can expect to see an exciting brand of soccer from the Golden Eagles, with a focus on possession, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Conclusion
The Tennessee Tech women's soccer team is a proud and accomplished program with a rich history of success. From its early days as a fledgling program to its current status as a respected competitor in the Ohio Valley Conference, the team has always shown a commitment to excellence and a passion for the sport.
We hope you've enjoyed this overview of the Tennessee Tech women's soccer team. If you're a fan of the team or just interested in learning more, we encourage you to follow us on social media and attend our games.
Gallery of Tennessee Tech Women's Soccer
FAQ
What is the Tennessee Tech women's soccer team's conference affiliation?
+The Tennessee Tech women's soccer team competes in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).
What is the name of the Tennessee Tech women's soccer team's home stadium?
+The Tennessee Tech women's soccer team plays its home games at the Tech Soccer Field, which is located on the university's campus in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Does the Tennessee Tech women's soccer team offer scholarships to players?
+Yes, the Tennessee Tech women's soccer team offers scholarships to talented players who are interested in joining the team.