Last year as a first-year coach, Mark Francis guided Kansas University’s soccer team to a school-record eight victories.
Now with 14 letterwinners, including eight seniors, and a talented class of newcomers, Francis is understandably optimistic.
“The newcomers will definitely increase the competition at each position and make the practice environment more intense,” Francis said. “The added depth makes our job as coaches more difficult, but that is a great problem for any coaching staff to have.”
Predicted to finish sixth in the Big 12 preseason coaches poll, the Jayhawks are eyeing their first-ever berth in the league postseason tourney.
Kansas returns it top goal-scorers from a year ago in junior Natalie Hoogveld (6 goals, 1 assist) and senior Hilla Rantala (5 goals, 6 assists). Fresman Marika Bonchonsky and Carmel Kaplinger, a sophomore transfer from Lousville U., could also make an impact.
Kaplinger led UL in scoring last season.
At midfield, the Jayhawks have Meghann Haven, last season’s assist leader, along with seniors Katie Lents and Colleen Colvin. Freshman Maggie Mason could challenge.
Emma Di Cesare, last year’s defensive MVP, started every game at sweeper last season. Also back are Kylie Watts and Brianna Valento, last year’s freshman MVP.
In goal, Francis has recruited Layla Young, the current back-up goalie on Great Britain’s national team. She was in goal on Aug. 15 when England blanked France, 1-0.
Sarah Gonzalez, an all-stater from Shawnee Mission West, will be playing behind Young.
