Strength in Numbers

            Every time the women Warriors take the felid, they have one goal: to play their game.

            "This year's team is easily the best I have had in my four years at Hendrix, and most definitely one of the best I have ever coached," said head coach Jim Evans. Having been a coach for 35 years at division one schools such as Hartford and Connecticut, Coach Evans is more than experienced enough to make such a claim. "This team is always willing to improve. Every day of practice is a tough workout, and they never complain.  The team spirit is great and infectious. Their work ethic and positive personality makes them a pleasure to coach."

             Having coached men's soccer teams for 29 years and women's for 6, Coach Evans noted the differences. "Women soccer is often more team oriented than men's soccer. This years team is a testament that cohesive teams can win."  The dedication the players require of their teammates is much more demanding than it was in the past.  They players have to fight for playing time.  They all as a whole contribute to the team's success.  "With men's soccer, and even women's to some extent, a team might have that one player or star their team revolves around.  I am proud to say that this season's time is not like that at all. We all are responsible for winning, and more importantly, we are all responsible for losing," said Coach Evans.

             "This team and every player on this team has her own specific role that has led to our success so far. We have an extreme array of personalities on this team which in turn creates an extremely diverse set of roles that people fill.  We have the mom who takes care of everyone, the tough one who keeps everyone in line.  The loud one, the free spirit, the baby, a few crazy fun ones, and some very expressive ones, and that's just to name a few. If you just walk into our locker room you will witness the diversity of personalities that makes our team so great," said freshman Bailey Ann Harper. 

            Not only does the team bond on the field during practices and games, but also off the field.  Harper said many times she will find herself in the library at night studying, more often than not the person sitting next to her is a fellow player.  "Not only has this aided in my grades, but it is a lot easier to work with someone on the field once you know them."

            Since Coach Evans‘ arrival at Hendrix, the Warrior women have made steady improvements.  With his tremendous experience as a coach, he has much wisdom to impart to his players. "Our coach is a fire ball.  Coach Evans always finds a way to surprise me.  He is such a great caring man who will do anything for any player. He definitely has an extreme personality and always finds a way to make you laugh.            "Coach Evans has a way of making people do their jobs while still maintaining a relaxed vibe on the team.  He expects you to do what is expected of you and will not hesitate to let you know if you are not, but he also counteracts that by letting you know when you are doing things right.  It is always nice to get a compliment from him and it makes it that much easier to take his critiques in a productive manner," said Harper. 

            Coach Evans and the teams' goal at the beginning of the season was to make it to the end season tournament, hosted by the SCAC.  This is the first year for the tournament and an exciting one for the Warriors.  Exciting, because they meet their goal, they will be playing in the tournament. 

            Going into the tournament the Warriors have an 8-8-1 record, placing second in the Southern Collegian Athletic Conference.  Every practice they have to prepare themselves mentally and physically for their next opponent.  Hours of their social lives is devoted to the further development of their skills.

            "Now that our one goal was met, it's time for another goal.  As a team we will have to decide that before we can move on. However, I know what my goal is and that is to make it to the NCAA tournament.  I think the team shares that goal," said Coach Evans.   "I have never had a team like this one. The ‘family' aspect and team spirit is undeniable the reason for our success. Never have I had a team that has improved every day from day one on.  They are focused to win, and thats why they have and will continue to."