First year Concordia Texas head women's soccer coach Corey Holton is surrounded by optimism entering the 2009 season, which begins Tuesday afternoon at the Town & Country Optimist Soccer Fields against Huston-Tillotson.

Holton and her squad have worked hard in the preseason to improve from the 2008 season which saw the Tornados amass a 4-12-2 overall record.

"I'm looking for a lot of improvement this season," Holton said. "We are trying to change our attitude and our program's reputation in the conference."

Holton was hired during the summer and is working to develop a comfort level between the coaching staff and the players.

"I'm excited for all that we have going on," Holton said. "I'm excited about all of the returning players and our newcomers."

As the 2009 season approaches, the Tornados boast a rather young roster with only one senior. Overall, Concordia returns seven letter winners from last year's squad.

"The complete change in attitude that is happening right now is going to really kickstart this program," Holton said. "We are going to win those close games that slipped away from us last season. We are aiming to move up this season in the conference."

Holton is working to change the team's attitude by starting with the training mentality.

"The players in this program are really getting pushed in practice," Holton said. "We are getting them to buy into the program which is allowing them to have ownership in the team."

The returning core of players is led by sophomore #Kiera Ruck#, who led the team in scoring last year with eight goals.

"We are expecting Kiera to help us tremendously this year," Holton said. "She is a leader on the field and has this year she will benefit from having more support from the quality of players on the field."

Sophomore #Hilary Wagner# will again provide support for Ruck. In 2008, Wagner netted one goal and added an assist for the Tornados.

"Hilary is a quick outside midfielder with great foot skills," said Holton. "She will be a key player for us this season and will also benefit from the support added on the field."

Holton is looking for sophomore #Rose Cutrer# to step up in the midfield this year.

"We are going to change the way Rose is used this season," Holton said. "She is going to be more of an offensive threat and has great foot skills to help in the midfield."

Sophomore defender #Lauren Browning# will anchor the Tornados' back line.

"Lauren is an outstanding central back," Holton said. "She will be our go-to person along the back line. She organizes the back very well and will hold our defensive unit together this season."

Senior defender #Emily Sager# and junior midfielder #Lya Morfitt# have been tabbed as captains by Holton this season.

"Both Emily and Lya will give support to Lauren in the back this season," said Holton. "Each of them have great leadership qualities that will help this season."

The Tornados welcome nine incoming players for the 2009 season. Freshmen #Teysha Sivage# and #Amanda Benton# will both vie for time at the goalkeeper position for Concordia.

"Both Amanda and Teysha come from good high school and club backgrounds," Holton said. "Teysha seems to have the edge early on and we will look for her to help organize our back line and come up with some big saves for us this year."

Freshman #Dalaine Whitlock# could make an immediate impact for the Tornados this season.

"Dalaine is a technical player and will fill our center midfielder spot," Holton said. "We are expecting her to be a big playmaker for us this season."

Sophomore transfer #Victoria Williams# could add instant offense to the Tornados front line.

"Victoria has very good foot skills," said Holton. "She works well with our other front line players and will really help this season."

Freshman midfielder #Kayla McDonald# will step into an important role for the Tornados this season. McDonald is expected to give support to Browning along the back line.

"Kayla works very well with Lauren [Browning]," Holton said. "She will be in a spot to protect our keeper and prevent goals."

Holton and her squad will rely on four early non-conference games to gain confidence and create on-field chemistry.

"This is a great time for our team to build confidence and learn our system," said Holton.

The Tornados are hoping to move up in the conference standings and getting into contention for a playoff spot. Holton and her young team are starting on a clean slate and putting the pieces together to turn the program around.

"The team knows that I believe in them," Holton said. "We are beginning to see that confidence that this program has lacked in the past."