Stoppage Time: Soccer uses spring to regroup after tough season

Jeremy Fontenot enters his third season as the Head Coach of the Southern University women’s soccer program with a record of 3-14-1.
Southern suffered 13 losses last season alone. Fontentot was available last Friday after practice at Jaguar Field to comment on his plans to turn the program around.
“We came into this spring knowing we won’t have the numbers,” he stated, referring to the roster turnaround the team is facing. With six seniors graduating, including goalkeeper Kendra Lewis, the team is left with 15 players from last season. To put in perspective, eleven players are typically on the field at one time. The limited numbers place some strain on the ability to have proper rotations. The team was only able to participate in one spring scrimmage thus far.
Help is on the way, though. Nine student-athletes were signed by the programs during the 2018 National Signing Day period. Fontenot also plans on adding junior college transfers to the roster, bringing the anticipated 2018 roster to roughly 26-28 student-athletes, the most in program history. The larger roster brings the opportunity for more fast-paced game movement.
When asked about the possible differences between recruiting for soccer comparing to football and baskeball, Coach replied, “I don’t think its much of a difference. Everybody come in for two things: to play the sport they love, and to get an education.”
Fontenot outlined the spring training with March being used to help individual players improve their mental and physical conditioning, and April focusing on honing summer plans.
“We’re in the weight room almost every day, we’re on the field almost every day,” added junior defender Desirae George-McCool.
Despite leaving the 2017 season without a win, Fontenot was able to draw some takeaways from his team. Close conference losses proved that the team could perform better than their record suggested. Five overtime games took a toll on team, and a bad case of the injury bug did not make things any better.
“We knew we had the stamina, we just need to work on finishing,” said sophomore forward Sophia Zavala
In terms of players to watch, Fontenot gave praise to Sha’tyra Barnes, a sophomore defender/forward from Baton Rouge, LA. He credited the product of Scotlandville High for her determination to rebound from her injury sustained last season. Soccer fans should also be on alert for two freshman goalies who will compete to fill the void left by goalie Kendra Lewis.
Zavala has also ascended up the ranks, being promoted to co-captain this spring.
“Sophia already comes in with leadership of the team,” said Coach. “We believe that her having that role right now over the summer she will push herself.”
Last season, the Phelan, CA native led the team in points, was tied for first on the team in goals and assists, and was second on the team in shots.
As the interview ended, Fontenot was optimistic about his team heading into 2018, and is seeking the Jaguar Nation to get behind them. “I do believe we have the support from the faculty and staff of the athletics department but we are looking for more support from the school itself”
The 2018 Southern Lady Jaguars women’s soccer schedule has yet to be released, but fans can support the program and Southern University athletics as a whole by contributing in Jag-A-Thon, which will be held April 20-22, 2018. Refer to gojagsports.com for more information.