UC Clermont Women s Soccer Brings New, Returning Talent to Third Season

The UC Clermont College women’s soccer team heads into the program’s third season with high expectations from Head Coach Blaine Callahan.

“I’m expecting this to be our best year so far,” he said. “We have more depth than we’ve had in the past, and we’re continuing to grow as a program.”

Callahan credits expanded recruiting — players on the roster range from central Indiana to Athens, Ohio—for the improved talent. The team will be led by sophomore midfielder and captain Sarah Ventura (Anderson). “She’s a natural-born leader,” Callahan said. “She took on a leadership role right away as a freshman and has great technical skills.”

Sophomore striker Alyssa Demaris (Bethel-Tate) is another player to keep an eye on. “She’s strong on the ball,” Callahan said. “She holds up play well so the rest of the team can get forward.” Junior center back Destiny Golden (Center Grove High School) is another key player for the Cougars, and Callahan says several transfer players this year are providing the team with needed upperclassmen experience.

The program has taken some big steps ahead in its third season, including an improved schedule. The team is playing more USCAA games than in past years and will be traveling to Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky for games.

The program also has hit another key milestone in having a dedicated home stadium at West Clermont Middle School. “Having a stadium to call home for the first time helps us become a more established program in Ohio,” Callahan said, adding that his players have shown more buy-in to the system and style of play he likes this season. “We’re more able to control the game,” he said. “I’m excited about this season. It should be our best yet.”

The Cougars’ next home game will take place at 7 p.m. game against Kentucky Christian University on Oct. 2.

For more information about the UC Clermont women’s soccer program, visit

http://www.ucclermont.edu/athletics/WomensSoccer.html

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