The Drury Panthers began practice on Monday this week and I had the opportunity to catch the Women’s practice Tuesday. With Coach Alf Bilbao adding the women’s team to his responsibilities, it meant I was able to sleep in get some work done before joining the ladies from 9-11 am (the men are going from 6:30 – 8:30 am). In addition to Coach Bilbao, I had the opportunity to introduce myself to his new assistant, Ryan Swan, who is a Scottish native and was a stand out for Bilbao at Truman State. Sarah Core, an Honorable Mention GLVC defender for the Panthers last season is also working as a graduate assistant coach and from what I observed will have no problems making the transition from former teammate to coach. All good news for the team.

There are seven new freshman recruits, pictured above, and include (L to R): Olivia Philippart de Foy (Brussels), Karissa Nedoma (Kickapoo), Sarah Owens (Overland Park), Christy Stewart (Dallas), Emily West (Broken Arrow), Caitlin Weins (Littleton) and Paige Puryear (Kickapoo). Olivia in particular stood out during today’s practice, showing good vision, touch and two way play. She did not play with any tentativeness and was in fact all business with me as well, wondering why the heck she was being pulled aside for the picture in the middle of practice. I don’t think it’s coincidental she is wearing the coveted #10 at the moment.

She’ll join a squad that saw three freshman get significant playing time last year including Sarah Goodman, the other Panther recognized within the GLVC as an Honorable Mention midfielder, as well as starting goalkeeper Barri Bulla and defender Chloe Moushey who is the only non-senior captain. The other captains are seniors Jen Simeck, Laura Adams and Roxanne Rassti, the Panthers scoring leader last year with 7 goals and 3 assists. Add Tara Davis, a favorite of mine for her play on the outside last year and Melissa Perry who started six and played in all seventeen matches last year, and Coach Bilbao has a squad that can compete this year. Go Panthers!