The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
2009 Women's Soccer Preview: Defender and Goalkeeper
8/13/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 13, 2009
UABSports.com begins a two-part season preview of the 2009 women's soccer team. Today's preview features the defender and goalkeeper positions. The forward and midfielder positions will be highlighted on Aug. 14. The Blazers are working towards their first test of the season with an exhibition match at Texas A&M on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT. UAB will kick off the regular season on Aug. 21 with a 7 p.m. CT match at Alabama.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Seniors Danielle Blair, Toni Gockel and Ayana Russell, along with junior Marie Yempuku and sophomore Pascale Pinard, are all returning starters and lead the Blazer defenders in 2009. Blair is the most experienced of the group, having started 45 games in the backfield for UAB. In addition to her on-the-field play, Blair is a standout in the classroom, having earned numerous accolades for her academics during her career.
"There is no question that Danielle is the poster child for student-athletes," said Harbin. "This past spring, she stepped up and became more of a vocal leader. She's been a solid, good defender for us in the past, but I think this is the year that she is going to step out and go to another level."
"Toni has really been working hard," said Harbin. "In the spring, we stepped things up a level and found this core group of players that are truly committed and dedicated to taking this program up another level. Toni is one of those players. She has turned into a force on the team and is headed for a great year."
Russell came to UAB a season ago from Monroe CC (N.Y.) and started all 20 games in her first season in Green and Gold. Splitting time between defender and midfield, she finished second on the team with three assists in 2008.
"Ayana is an international, world-class caliber player," said Harbin. "She is an elite player that we choose to use in the back, but is just as comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder or as a forward. We like playing her at defender because she is a very smart player and very composed."
Yempuku returns after being just the second sophomore in program history to be named team captain in 2008. Yempuku is a player that has started every game since she stepped on campus in 2007, scoring two goals and assisting on three more during her career.
"Marie was a captain last year not just because of her ability to get along and lead people, but for her ability to do the unpopular thing and make the unpopular decision because she knows its the right decision," said Harbin. "She has high expectations of both herself and her teammates.
"Marie was an outstanding player her first two seasons, but I think she is going to step everything up a notch and come out even better in the fall."
"Pascale was another one of those players that got thrown in the mix right away as a freshman and responded great," said Harbin. "She is a student of the game. After most practices and games, she will come in the office and study film to figure out what she needs to do better.
Freshmen Emily Sinovich and Camille Walters will add depth to the defender position in their first season at UAB.
"Emily is a strong, physical centerback that comes out of a soccer rich area in St. Louis," said Harbin. "She has had a great career so far and I feel like she can really come in and push for a good amount of playing time.
"Camille is extremely fast and has a fantastic work ethic. Hopefully she can develop quickly and provide additional depth for us this season."
Junior Kate Blankenship comes back for her third season in goal for the Blazers. She has put up solid numbers in her first two seasons while battling through multiple injuries.
"We just want Kate to be healthy," said Harbin. "If we can get her consistently healthy, I think she can be one of the top goalkeepers in the conference."
Blankenship will be joined by a pair of newcomers in goal in freshmen Alexis Braziel and Lauren Middleton.
"We hope that both of the freshmen will adjust to the college game quickly and be able to compete for valuable minutes in goal," said Harbin. "Alexis' biggest strength is that she is very technically sound in everything that she does. Lauren is very athletic and has really committed herself to the game and succeeding."
