Cyclones Make Spring Strides

AMES, Iowa?The Iowa State soccer team closed its spring season on a surge, holding its last three opponents scoreless while pouring in six goals. This late-spring success illustrates the improvements head coach Wendy Dillinger has seen lately from her squad.

“We're playing with a lot of confidence right now,” Dillinger said. “We have a better understanding of where to be, how to play together, how we want to defend and attack individually and also as a unit. The confidence they have illustrated to us the past two weekends is a very good sign.”

Dillinger says a year at the helm has allowed the Cyclones to better comprehend her expectations and given her a better understanding of the players on the squad. Dillinger points to these changes as being important ingredients in the Cyclones' progress. Fitness was also a focus this spring.

“We really emphasized fitness during this spring, having the girls do a lot of different activities to continue building their base endurance,” Dillinger said. “There was a different level of competitiveness, and I think the culture is definitely moving in the direction we're trying to establish.”

Dillinger also sited several players who have made the necessary steps as they prepare for the fall campaign.

“In the attack, Amanda Nimtz was incredible this past weekend,” Dillinger said. “She did everything we needed her to do. She was defending, attacking, moving off the ball. She's really starting to step into her potential and what she can do. She's turned out to be an incredible defender that can attack, which gives us options.

“Jordan (Bishop) is stepping up even more; she's always been a great player,” Dillinger said. “Casey Bothwell has been great this spring and has always been a solid player for us.”

In addition to the steady rise in level of play the returning players have exhibited, Dillinger's optimism for the fall is buoyed by the large incoming class.

“We do have a lot of freshmen coming in at positions across the board with different strengths. Some are more physical, some are fast, and others are more technical in their play,” she said. “We expect some of them to come in and contribute right away, while others can really raise the level of competition and push the kids that are here to keep their spots.”

The games for Iowa State start counting Aug. 28 when South Dakota State makes a visit to the ISU Soccer Complex for a 7 p.m. match.

Players Mentioned

Casey Bothwell

Casey Bothwell

Amanda Nimtz

Amanda Nimtz

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics