A new chapter in Waynesburg women’s soccer history kicks off in 2010 as Sean McCarthy takes over the head coaching duties with the Yellow Jackets. He brings a wealth of collegiate and professional coaching experience with him. His most recent assistant position was at SUNY Old Westbury, where he helped lead the Panthers to a Skyline Conference title and a berth in the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament.
He inherits a team that went 6-12 last year and 2-5 in President’s Athletic Conference (PAC) play. He also inherits some exceptional talent, which includes a trio of two-time All-PAC honorees.
Juniors Courtney Ebersole and Terrin Crist are back after earning all-conference accolades in each of the last two seasons. After missing most of the 2009 campaign with an injury, senior Danielle Danhires, who was a first-team All-PAC selection as a freshman and a second-team pick as a sophomore, is also expected back.
Ebersole returns after picking up her second-straight all-conference nod following a 2009 season that saw her lead the team in total points (18) and goals (nine). The forward also tied for eighth in the conference in points per game and ranked fifth in goals scored. She was also honored as a PAC Player of the Week.
Senior Brittney Brown also returns, as does junior Melody Cox. Both players found the back of the net in 2009. Sophomore Claire Vehar provides even more experience after starting five games in 2009.
Assuming she recovers from her injury problems in 2009, Danhires is expected to lead the team’s midfield. Despite playing in just four games, the Peters Township native tallied a goal on five shots. Since coming to Waynesburg, Danhires has tallied 23 points on nine goals and five assists.
Senior Brittany Spitznogle, junior Rebecca Snyder and sophomore Heidi Weaver started a combined 40 games last season. Sophomores Karen Moyer and Chelsey Root also return after appearing in a combined 34 games last year.
Crist heads into her third year as the leader of Waynesburg’s defense following a 2009 season that earned her honorable mention All-PAC laurels. She has started all 18 of the Jackets’ contests since she arrived on campus.
Senior Amy Macurdy, who started all 18 games in 2009 and scored a goal, could also see time at defense, as well as at midfield. Sophomore Carly Loughman-Taft is also back.
The Jackets should be stout in goal with the return of junior Katrina Kelly, who started 16 games last year and was named a PAC Goalkeeper/Defensive Player of the Week. She recorded two shutouts on the season.
Kelly’s primary backup, Jaime Williamson, is also back. She appeared in seven games last year and made two starts.
Waynesburg gets the 2010 season underway on Sept. 1, when it hosts Wilmington for a 7 p.m. contest.