SPSCC Men’s Soccer and Women’s Volleyball are Ready to Compete

Submitted by South Puget Sound Community College

Olympia, Wash.  After recruiting, try-outs, practices and hours of intense preseason preparation, SPSCC Clipper Athletics’ Men’s Soccer and Women’s Volleyball teams are ready to compete. Preseason play begins August 30 with their first league games happening in September.

Men’s Soccer

The Men’s soccer team is entering its third season under Head Coach Chris Crowe. With a relatively fresh team full of new recruits and only four returning sophomores, Coach Crowe anticipates the team will give it all they have to compete in their highly competitive league. Coach Crowe shares his thoughts on the team and a season outlook.

On the challenges of building a team

There is not as many returning sophomores which will be different from last season since last year the team was more sophomore driven among leadership. As a program, we try to close the gap of high school and college speed of play. Physicality during a game at college level is much more intense, we want our players prepared. Also, we are introducing “older ideas” in a fresh newer style to the team.

On team dynamics

We have a team that will be solid defensively with a consistent midfield. We have a good group of young men with a strong sense of communication and camaraderie for the school and themselves. There are small groups of players that had family that played soccer here before and know about the program. They make sure that the program stays positive and continues to improve.

On players to watch

Our team is held down by a great defensive unit starting with brothers and center backs, Skyler and Carter Stephens. We have exceptional local talent in our goal, Alexis Garcia-Salazar from Aberdeen High School and Alyx Racimo from Capital High School. Along with right back and returner, Alan Ryan.

On the competitors

The west is one of the best and most challenging regions to be in. Tacoma won the NWAC championship and Highline were semi-finalists last season. Each team we are facing has history and each year we must raise the bar while recruiting.

Roster for 2016 season

Home schedule*

*All home games are played at the Regional Athletic Complex (RAC) in Lacey.

Connect with Clipper Men’s Soccer
Find the latest schedule and other information at spscc.edu/soccer
Or stay connected via social media.
Twitter:  @spscc_athletics
Facebook:  @spsccathletics
Instagram:  @spscc

Women’s Volleyball

The second season of Women’s Volleyball is nearly underway. They are once again helmed by Head Coach Melanie Miller who has had over six years of coaching experience and was previously the Assistant Coach for the Clark College Women’s Volleyball team. Coach Miller is excited about the new season and feels assured that the team will continue to get better throughout the season due to their strong work ethic and supportive team environment.

On recruits and sophomores

We are really excited with the group we have. With a full 12 player roster, we are able to be more versatile and competitive. We have four returning sophomores who are a solid group for showing the recruits the ropes. We have three transfers from Edmonds, Tacoma, Pierce, and a total of five freshmen.

On team dynamics

The group has bonded very well and are on the same page for what their goals are for the team and what they want to accomplish together. With a similar mind set, each player is passionate, encourages one another, and shows heart for the game. I feel confident that we’re just going to get better throughout preseason. I’m glad I had support from the entire team to come back from a hard loss in my family, it shows the character of these young women.

On players to watch

Jaeya Reed, a transfer from Tacoma was a key player for their team. Reed is aware of what it takes to make it to the NWAC championship. Sophomores Lydia Soto and Ellie King are going to hold down defense. Jordaan Hall is a solid returner. Because of her height, Adrianna Eleton (6’1”) is a huge offensive threat and Leslie Sanchez Arellano can run the offense.

On the competition

Competition this year we are looking forward to are Highline, Lower Columbia, and Pierce. Highline is a tough atmosphere to play in, the gym is very wide. Lower Columbia is defending champions in the NWAC. Pierce is our local rival; those games will be full of competitive school spirit.

Roster for the 2016 season

Home schedule*

*All home games are played at the Gym on the SPSCC Olympia campus.

Connect with Clipper Women’s Volleyball
Find the latest schedule and other information at spscc.edu/volleyball
Or stay connected via social media.
Twitter:  @spscc_athletics
Facebook:  @spsccathletics
Instagram:  @spscc