In three years, UTB/TSC has racked up two conference championships, a regular season conference co-championship, and two trips to the postseason.
But to Coach
Nik Barjaktarevic, there is still something missing for the Scorpions - a trip to the NAIA National Women's Soccer Champion finals site.
"As soon our last game in 2009 was over, we started our preparation for this year," Barjaktarevic said. "We also have our general goal set for the season and this goal is very clear - be in the Final Four of the 2010 NAIA National Tournament.
"To do this, a lot of other things have to come in place for us to achieve our goal. We also have more specific goals that we will be working on as a team in preseason that will ensure we do get there, but it's a long road ahead of us and it will require for every player to get out of their comfort zone."
"As soon our last game in 2009 was over, we started our preparation for this year," Barjaktarevic said. "We also have our general goal set for the season and this goal is very clear - be in the Final Four of the 2010 NAIA National Tournament.
The Scorpions went 11-5-2 last year, winning the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament and advancing to a NAIA National Championship Opening Round game. In the three-year existence of the Scorpion women's soccer program, Barjaktarevic has compiled a 32-18-3 record.
"We had a very successful year and although always want to go more it was a very realistic finish," Barjaktarevic said. "Naturally we were disappointed not to go a bit further, but have no regrets still with what we had accomplished and the foundation that we have set for this program to succeed."
Barjaktarevic addressed the lack of depth from last year's with a deep and talented recruiting class, including two senior players who are returning to the Scorpions after gaining experience at other schools.
"With more upperclassmen and returning players in the program we had two major goals this year - to bring in quality players to help us get to the next level and also increase competition within each position on the field," Barjaktarevic said.
"Last year we had a roster of 20 players and we are increasing this number to 26-27 players. We are extremely excited with 12 players who will be great addition to our team. With the returners, it will make a great mix that we believe will help our team achieve the goals we have set for next season. I say this not only because they are quality players but women of character as well."
Midfielders
Junior First Team All-Conference selection Helen Wagstaff leads a solid group. Vanessa Gallegos returns for her senior season after spending the last two years at Pfeiffer University (N.C.). Senior Laura Carpenter and sophomore Abigail Perez bring one year experience each. Newcomers include freshmen Isadora Freitas and Karla Lozano.
Defenders
RRAC Defensive Player of the Year sophomore Jodie Hunter and fellow sophomore First Team All-Conference selection Chelsea Maidment headline a strong group, which also includes senior Aleisha Cassie, who returns to the Scorpions after two years at Park University (Mo.). Senior Carling Rootes, who was First Team All-Conference in 2008, returns after sitting out the 2009 season with an injury. Juniors Emily Husband and Julia Dell' Aquila, and sophomore Nicole Sereda give the Scorpions more experience at the position. Newcomers include sophomore Melissa Moreno and freshmen Stefany Strickland and Sara Rosenthal.
Goalkeepers
Senior First Team All-Conference pick Stephanie Reid, who also receive Honorable Mention All-America honors, leads a group which includes fellow senior Jessica Hamer. Junior transfer Emily Michna gives the Scorpions more depth.
