By Ryan Steele
STILLWATER (MCT) — Less than a month remains until Oklahoma State begins soccer practice.
As the days wind down, Colin Carmichael just can’t help but smile when thinking about what could be in store for his 2008 club.
“On paper, this should be the strongest group we’ve ever had,” the Cowgirl coach said. “So many factors go into having a successful season. The talent’s in place without question. … We’ve been able to stack a little and get more depth, and I think that’ll be one of the keys.
“Last year, I thought our top 14 could play with anybody. This year, we might be able to go 16 or 17 deep and that could help us in some big games.”
The Cowgirls, who report to Stillwater on Aug. 6, are coming off back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in program history. Last season, they advanced to the second round of the NCAAs before falling, 4-0, to top-ranked UCLA.
This season, O-State returns nine starters including senior Yolanda Odenyo — who was granted an extra year of eligibility during the middle of last season after losing a year earlier in her collegiate career because of an eight-month appeals process with the NCAA.
Odenyo, the 2006 Co-Big 12 Player of the Year, posted seven goals and three assists in ‘07 and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors.
“You can’t say enough positive things about Yolanda,” Carmichael said. “She’s made a huge impact on our program and to get her for one more season is massive.”
Also returning is senior goalkeeper Erin Stigler, a former walk-on who was fourth on the depth chart a few years ago. Last season, she became OSU’s career leader in shutouts and in 2006, she led the Big 12 in goals against average (0.71) and save percentage (81 percent).
Other key players coming back for the Cowgirls include junior Siera Strawser — the club’s leading scorer in ‘07 with eight goals — as well as Kasey Langdon, Bridget Miller, Annika Niemier, Katie Richardson and Allyson Leggett, who was named to the Big 12’s All-Newcomer Team a year ago.
The next few years could be just as bright for the Cowgirls. Once construction on the west end zone at Boone Pickens Stadium is complete, a new soccer facility may be next in line. Carmichael said he is hoping the project will be finished by the 2010 or 2011 season.
“We always focus on the positives,” he added. “We don’t have the beautiful locker rooms, we don’t have all the amenities around the field but what we do have are student-athletes that we treat right. We make sure they’re supported academically, and that they get to play some of the best teams in the country.
“We’ll make due for the next few years, and hopefully we’ll at least maintain where we are now. When the facility comes in, we might just be able to make that next jump to the Elite Eight or Final Four level.”
The Cowgirls take on Texas Christian in an exhibition contest on Aug. 16 in Stillwater, then open the regular season at Southern Methodist on Aug. 23.
“These girls now believe they can play with anybody,” Carmichael said. “I really don’t think there’s any fear anymore. Being able to win some big games has definitely got people’s attention.”
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