The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Women's Soccer Team Set to Begin Fall Practice
8/11/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 11, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The UAB women's soccer team will open its fall practice schedule on Tuesday at 8 a.m. as the Blazers begin preparation for their 2003 season opener at home against Auburn on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.
"We're ready to go," said UAB head coach Paul Harbin. "The entire team is excited about this season and they just want to get on the field and start playing. We"ve had a lot of our players compete on various teams this summer, so since they've been at school they've been anxious to get back on the field."
UAB's first day of practice begins at 8 a.m. at the West Campus Soccer Field and will feature conditioning tests and a light scrimmage. The opening-day workout is scheduled to include a vertical jump test, sit-ups, push-ups and shoulder lifts.
With the regular-season opener set for Aug. 29 against Auburn, the Blazers will regularly practice twice a day for the next 17 days. UAB's two-a-day format includes practices at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. until classes begin on Aug. 20. After school starts, practices will generally be staggered with 8 a.m. practices on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 2 p.m. workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Blazers' 2003 schedule consists of five in-state schools, in addition to a demanding Conference USA schedule. UAB also plays host to Alabama, Georgia Southern, South Alabama, Samford and the 2003 UAB Nike Classic.
"Over the last couple of days, we've just been going through meetings and filling out paperwork," Harbin said. "We have basically just been getting everybody ready to start practice and now that it's time, everybody is ready to go. It should be an energetic week for us and before you know it the season will be here."
The UAB women's soccer team will kick off its 2003 season on Friday, Aug. 22, as the Blazers challenge the Tennessee Lady Vols in an exhibition match at 7 p.m. in Huntsville, Ala.
