VALDOSTA, Ga. – After a historic run in 2014 that led to the program's first ever Gulf South Conference Championship, the No. 24 ranked Valdosta State Blazer soccer team is primed and ready for another great season in 2015.
 
The run begins on Friday with a four-match home stand against a bevy of tough opponents, starting with the North Georgia Nighthawks out of the Peach Belt Conference. The Nighthawks, who compiled an impressive record of 17-4-2 last season, earned a spot at No. 19 on the National Soccer Coaches Association poll at the conclusion of last season's campaign.
 
Despite the challenging non-conference schedule, which also includes contests against region opponent Saint Leo, Embry –Riddle, and Clayton State, Head Coach Rebecca Nolin is confident that her team will be up for the challenge, thanks in large part to a strong balance that she feels the team possesses this year.
 
"I think we're strong everywhere," stated Nolin, who returns for her second season as the program's head coach. "We are very defensively organized, we're strong in the air in the midfield, we've got good experience in the midfield, and we've got a lot of speed up top."
 
Defensively, some big shoes will need to be filled with the loss of Caroline Moore and Deysla Reyes. However, a strong defensive core remains in the form of All-GSC returners Shelby Jennings and Rebeca Bonilla. Newcomer Kyana Campbell is expected to solidify the mix with some big minutes this season, and returning lefty Kayla Robles will have an opportunity to shoot for a breakout junior season.
 
According to Nolin, the midfield positions will be occupied this season by a group of players that are very fit and can cover a lot of ground. With an offensive mindset and the ability to aggressively move the ball forward in the attack, the head coach expects her deep lineup of midfielders to complement the squad's young forwards well.
 
"We've been working a lot with the midfielders and the forwards this past week, and although we've got young forwards, they're very fit, fast and athletic. They are also starting to read and understand the game, and I think that's what is really exciting about these girls. Nobody knows much about them, which is an advantage for us, and they're pretty confident. I think that's a huge part of being successful, having that confidence."
 
McCall Gardner will occupy the goalkeeper position in the opening match, and as one of the team captains during this, her senior season, the Duluth, Ga. native has embraced the opportunity to take on a leadership role with the squad.
 
"She's just so mentally tough, and she is very smart player," stated Nolin emphatically. "She's very comfortable with the ball at her feet, very strong in 1v1's, and over the last two weeks, she has really worked on strengthening her weaknesses and has vastly improved in those areas. I'm very comfortable with her complete game, her competitive nature,  and her drive. She leads by example and works very, very hard, and she expects and demands a lot from her teammates."
 
With the assistance of new graduate assistant coach Matt Seib and returning graduate assistant coach Donielle White, Nolin will wrap up the final weekend of preseason workouts this week in preparation for Friday's home opener. The match is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. start and will begin a two-match weekend that concludes with region opponent Saint Leo on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.
 
Live coverage will be provided for all of the weekend action right here at www.vstateblazers.com, or you can watch first hand by purchasing tickets at the gate or in advance by calling 229-333-SEAT.