The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Catching up with Coach Demers
8/17/2020 11:59:00 AM | Women's Soccer
UABSports.com caught up with UAB head women's soccer coach Erica Demers as the Blazers continue training leading up to the season opener on Sept. 3 at Memphis.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a head coach since the spring season was canceled?
This has been the most challenging pre-season in my career by far. Not only are we working amongst uncertainty, we are also being very cautious with our players in regards to their overall health and well-being on the field. When you have not worked with your team for such a long time and also a summer where they were not exposed to playing, we are begin cautious in our day to day sessions.
What are some of the off the field things the team has done since returning to campus? Our staff is doing a great job to find ways to still create moments of team bonding while keeping distancing in mind. One thing we did do that we have been wanting to do since the Spring was use our field and video board as a team Movie Night. We had our players bring chairs and blankets, spread out on field and watch the classic, Remember the Titans!
With 10 seniors on the roster, how will their experience benefit the team? Experience is always a massive bonus to have within a program. They are an extension to our staff and help set the tone and expectations. Two players, Sarah Buse and Regan Kommor have done an exceptional job to help our program stay the course this summer and continued a high level of accountability since preseason has started.
You lost a couple of players from the back that helped record seven shutouts and a GAA of just over 1.00 last season. Who do you see taking over the roles of Melissa Cameron and Natalie Presedo?
A big part of this backline and alongside Mel and Nat last season were Audria Wood and Eve Beyer in goal. Both of these two players return and we will be looking to them to use their experience to help guide our younger players to the high standard that we do have as a program when it comes to the defensive side to the game.
Has any player really stood out so far in training?
One player we have seen step up even more in her SR year is Regan Kommor. She has come in fit and ready to compete. For any senior, the expectations at this point should come natural and we are seeing that in her. We definitely expect her to play a pivotal role in our attack this coming season.
You start the season on the road against a Memphis team that won 17 matches and made the NCAA tournament last season - with a shorter season, how important is it to play a challenging nonconference season?
Crucial! But to be honest, since arriving at UAB this has been my mindset. I want to challenge our players against opponents to help them prepare for our conference opponents.
You have a big incoming class - how have they adjusted from living at home to moving onto campus and beginning training?
Our incoming players have adjusted seamlessly. They are all the types of people and players that truly love the game and are excited to be on the training field. Our leadership group did a great job over the summer to help answer and make them feel welcomed and comfortable from the start.
What does new assistant coach John Robertson bring to the team?
When John was with our staff previously and left for the assistant position at Montevallo, I did think this hurt our staff. John not only brings a wealth of knowledge to our staff but also has an infectious personality. Very glad to work with him again and looking forward to the future.
Women's soccer season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2020-21 Gold Card for $65 here. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men's and women's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
Individual game tickets can be purchased here.
For more information on the UAB women's soccer team, follow @UAB_WSoc on Twitter and Instagram.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a head coach since the spring season was canceled?
This has been the most challenging pre-season in my career by far. Not only are we working amongst uncertainty, we are also being very cautious with our players in regards to their overall health and well-being on the field. When you have not worked with your team for such a long time and also a summer where they were not exposed to playing, we are begin cautious in our day to day sessions.
What are some of the off the field things the team has done since returning to campus? Our staff is doing a great job to find ways to still create moments of team bonding while keeping distancing in mind. One thing we did do that we have been wanting to do since the Spring was use our field and video board as a team Movie Night. We had our players bring chairs and blankets, spread out on field and watch the classic, Remember the Titans!
With 10 seniors on the roster, how will their experience benefit the team? Experience is always a massive bonus to have within a program. They are an extension to our staff and help set the tone and expectations. Two players, Sarah Buse and Regan Kommor have done an exceptional job to help our program stay the course this summer and continued a high level of accountability since preseason has started.
You lost a couple of players from the back that helped record seven shutouts and a GAA of just over 1.00 last season. Who do you see taking over the roles of Melissa Cameron and Natalie Presedo?
A big part of this backline and alongside Mel and Nat last season were Audria Wood and Eve Beyer in goal. Both of these two players return and we will be looking to them to use their experience to help guide our younger players to the high standard that we do have as a program when it comes to the defensive side to the game.
Has any player really stood out so far in training?
One player we have seen step up even more in her SR year is Regan Kommor. She has come in fit and ready to compete. For any senior, the expectations at this point should come natural and we are seeing that in her. We definitely expect her to play a pivotal role in our attack this coming season.
You start the season on the road against a Memphis team that won 17 matches and made the NCAA tournament last season - with a shorter season, how important is it to play a challenging nonconference season?
Crucial! But to be honest, since arriving at UAB this has been my mindset. I want to challenge our players against opponents to help them prepare for our conference opponents.
You have a big incoming class - how have they adjusted from living at home to moving onto campus and beginning training?
Our incoming players have adjusted seamlessly. They are all the types of people and players that truly love the game and are excited to be on the training field. Our leadership group did a great job over the summer to help answer and make them feel welcomed and comfortable from the start.
What does new assistant coach John Robertson bring to the team?
When John was with our staff previously and left for the assistant position at Montevallo, I did think this hurt our staff. John not only brings a wealth of knowledge to our staff but also has an infectious personality. Very glad to work with him again and looking forward to the future.
Women's soccer season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2020-21 Gold Card for $65 here. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men's and women's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
Individual game tickets can be purchased here.
For more information on the UAB women's soccer team, follow @UAB_WSoc on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Women's Soccer
Defender
/ Women's Soccer
Midfielder
/ Women's Soccer
Midfielder
/ Women's Soccer
Defender
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