GENTS SOCCER
Head coach David Orr and new assistant coach Dragan Hinic are eager to begin their quest in leading the Centenary men's soccer team into a new year, which begins Thursday.

"Each new season brings excitement, especially this one: new division opponents, new conference, different geography and brand new sets of expectations," said Orr. "New locker room and offices, along with new a new assistant coach is creating an exciting atmosphere as well."

With a new outlook and a new year, the Gents will begin to focus their attention on the necessary strengths to producing a successful debut season in the American Southwest Conference.

"Our immediate focus will definitely be on fitness. I expect us to be fit and successful as we begin this upcoming season," said Orr.

The Gents are scheduled to play 17 total games. The highlight of the schedule this season is by far, the 10 home games slated.

"With the new division and conference, Centenary men's soccer has more home games," said Orr. "It is always better to play at home, especially in front of our awesome crowds! I hope they are as excited as we are and that they bring that excitement to our home opener on September 1st!"

Centenary will open play at home on Thursday, September 1 against Texas College at 7 pm on Mayo Field.

LADIES VOLLEYBALL
Head coach Jon Stenman and assistant coach Jon Valiao prepare to hit the hardwood with its 12 players beginning Thursday.

"I am extremely excited to get this season underway. We have more options as a whole this year, so I have been chomping at the bit to get started," said Stenman.

Centenary begins play on Friday, Sept. 2 at the University of Dallas tournament, featuring Polytechnic Institute of NY, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Sul Ross State, and Univ. of Dallas.

With six newcomers to this year's squad, Stenman is relying on their preseason to determine what the team's overall outlook on the season should be.

"My immediate focus will be on acclimating the freshmen to the speed of the collegiate game," said Stenman. "I expect to get contributions from all of my freshmen; the faster they feel comfortable, the faster we can identify our strengths."

Centenary was recently selected fourth in the American Southwest Conference Preseason polls in the East Division behind UT-Dallas, ETBU, and UT-Tyler.

"My expectations are high for this team this year. I believe this could be the most unified team Centenary has seen in quite some time and I expect that will translate into a successful season," said Stenman.

LADIES SOCCER
Head coach Glenn Evans is preparing for yet another season as the "Pioneer of Centenary Soccer" rosters 20 players for the 2011-12 season. The Ladies will kick off its preseason training on Thursday on Mayo Field.

"We are tremendously excited about the new year, but with a fear of the unknown. Going into a new conference is a way to grow and establish ourselves as a competitive soccer program," said Evans.

With training beginning Thursday, Evans will look to his four seniors for guidance and leadership and focus on building team chemistry as nine freshmen gear up for their first collegiate practice.

"Most of the emphasis during preseason will be on ball work and fitness. It will be key in knocking the summer rust off our returning players and finding a place for our freshmen to fit in amongst this program," said Evans.

Centenary opens play on Thursday, September 1 against Texas College at 5 pm on Mayo Field.