2012 Murray State Soccer
2012 Murray State Soccer Contact: Kevin DeVries | Office Phone: (270) 809-7051 | Cell Phone: (641) 512-1847 | Email: [email protected]
2012 Schedule
Date Aug. 18 Aug. 24 Aug. 26 Aug. 31 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 14 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 28 Sept. 30 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 14 Oct. 19 Oct. 21 Oct. 26 Oct. 28 Nov. 1 Nov. 2 Nov. 4
Murray State Racers at Western Michigan Broncos and Indiana State Sycamores
Opponent Time/Result @Louisiana Tech CANCELLED Arkansas State L, 0-1 Evansville L, 0-2 @Western Michigan 3 p.m. @Indiana State Noon Northern Kentucky 1 p.m. August 31 & September 2, 2012 | Kalamazoo, Mich. & Alabama A&M 3 p.m. Terre Haute, Ind. WMU Soccer Complex & Memorial Stadium | 3 p.m. South Alabama 1 p.m. & Noon @Austin Peay* 2 p.m. @SE Missouri* 7 p.m. @UT Martin* 2 p.m. Belmont* 3 p.m. @SIUE* 7 p.m. @Eastern Illinois* 1 p.m. Jacksonville State* 3 p.m. What’s On Tap... Tennessee Tech* 1 p.m. The Racers will hit the road for the first time this season Eastern Kentucky* 3 p.m. as they face Western Michigan and Indiana State in a pair of Morehead State* 1 p.m. non-conference matchups. Murray State is regaining health and OVC-First Round TBA looking to build toward Ohio Valley Conference play. The Racers OVC-Semifinals TBA started five freshman in their opening weekend of play and had OVC-Championship TBA a sixth play significant minutes. Because of injuries, MSU had eight girls play all 90 minutes against Evansville. All-OVC performer Julie Mooney and team captain Jenelle Cunningham Home games in BOLD played at Cutchin are among the athletes on the injury list. Field *Denotes Ohio Valley Conference game
Series History...
Murray State lost its lone meeting with Western Michigan back in 2010, 6-1. Shauna Wicker got the goal in the loss for the Racers. MSU is 2-3-1 against the Sycamores all-time. The two teams met last season at Cutchin Field as Indiana State prevailed 2-0.
2012 OVC Preseason Poll 1. UT Martin (13)
190
2. SE Missouri (9)
180
3. Morehead State
143
4. Eastern Kentucky
130
T5. Belmont
122
T5. Murray State
122
7. SIUE
98
8. Austin Peay
92
9. Eastern Illinois
65
T10. Jacksonville St.
33
T10. Tennessee Tech
33
School: ..............................Murray State University Location:................................................Murray, Ky. Enrollment:....................................................10,623 Founded: ..........................................................1922 President: ...................................Dr. Randy J. Dunn Athletics Director:..................................Allen Ward Conference:............................................Ohio Valley Nickname: .....................................................Racers Colors: ....................................Navy Blue and Gold Home Field: .......................................Cutchin Field Press Box Phone: ............................(641) 512-1847 Website: .....................................www.goracers.com
Coaching Information
2012 OVC Standings 1.
General Information
Conf.
Overall
Jacksonville St. --
3-1
T2. Austin Peay --
2-1
T2. Belmont --
2-1
T2. E. Kentucky --
2-1
T5. SE Missouri --
1-2-1
T5. Tennessee Tech --
1-2-1
T7. UT Martin --
1-2
T7. SIUE --
1-2
9.
E. Illinois --
1-3
10.
Murray State --
0-2
11.
Morehead State --
0-3
Media Information Intern (Soccer):................................Kevin DeVries Email:[email protected] Office Phone: ..................................(270) 809-7051 Cell Phone:......................................(641) 512-1847 Associate A.D./Director:.....................Dave Winder Assistant Director: ................................John Brush Assistant Director: ...........................Parker Griffith
Head Coach:......................................Beth Acreman Alma Mater: ..................Barton College (N.C.), ’99 Career Record:...........................................50-53-16 Record at Murray State .............................50-53-16 Office Phone:...................................(270) 809-3136 Email: [email protected] Assistant Coach: ...................................Claire Ward Alma Mater:..........................Middle Tennessee, ’06 Office Phone: ..................................(270) 809-7017 Email:[email protected]
Team History 2011 Overall Record: ......................................7-9-3 2011 OVC Record/Finish:.........................4-3-2/5th 2011 Postseason:..............L, 0-1 at Morehead State, OVC First Round Starters Returning/Lost: ......................................7/4 Letterwinners Returning/Lost: ..........................13/6 Newcomers: .........................................................12 Final Regional Ranking: ...................................N/A Started Women’s Soccer: .................................2000 All-Time Record: ..........................97-112-28 (.468) All-Time OVC Record: ..................45-35-13 (.554) OVC Championships: ................................1 (2008) OVC Tournament Champions.....................1 (2009)
2012 Racer Soccer No. Name
Pos.
Ht.
Yr.
Hometown (Previous School)
00
Lauren Kelly
GK
5-6
Sr.
Huntsville, Ala. (Grissom HS)
0
Latisha Stevenson
GK
5-7
Fr.
Benton, Ky. (Marshall County HS)
1
Yi Du
GK
6-1
So.
Shanghai, China (Shanghai Friendship HS)
2
Kayla Harbin
F
5-6
Fr.
Arlington, Texas (Bolton HS)
3
Julie Mooney
M/F
5-5
So.
St. Peters, Mo. (Francis Howell HS)
4
Megg Hudson
F
5-3
Fr.
Murray, Ky. (Murray HS)
5
Rachel Walker
D
5-6
Fr.
Granger, Ind. (Penn HS)
6
Rebecca Bjorkvall
D
5-6
Jr.
Oland, Finland (Lindsey Wilson HS)
8
Sonja Murphy
D/M 5-8
Jr.
Wexford, Ireland (University College)
9
Jenelle Cunningham D
5-7
Sr.
Port of Spain, Trinidad (Victory Christian HS)
10
Bronagh Kerins
D/M 5-4
So.
Sligo, Ireland (Sligo HS)
11
Jillian Russell
M
5-8
Jr.
Independence, Ky. (Simon Kenton HS)
12
Jenna Finke
F
5-7
Fr.
Indianapolis, Ind. (Lutheran HS)
13
Pavilina Nepokojova F
5-8
Fr.
Prague, Czech Republic
14
Veronika Pribyslavska D
5-9
Sr.
Prague, Czech Republic (Business Vlasim)
15
Amber Hanson
D/M 5-4
So.
Bourbonnais, Ill. (Bradley-Bourbonnais HS)
16
Racheal Foxley
M/F
5-6
Fr.
Bolton, England (Turton HS)
17
Morgan Miller
M/F
5-4
Fr.
Owensboro, Ky. (Owensboro HS)
18
Gina Killion
D/M 6-0
Sr.
Fort Wayne, Ind. (Bishop Dwenger HS)
19
Stephanie Gale
M/F
5-4
Sr.
Northampton, England
21
Taylor Stevens
M/F
5-6
Fr.
Fort Wayne, Ind. (Snider HS)
22
Halle Pinkham
D
5-5
Fr.
Elizabethtown, Ky. (West Jessamine HS)
23
Teryn Wright
M
5-5
So.
Nicholasville, Ky. (West Jessamine HS)
Head Coach: Beth Acreman (Barton College (N.C.), 1999) 7th season Assistant Coach: Clare Ward (Middle Tennessee, 2006) Student Assistant: Tara Isbell
Murray State’s Record When... Overall ......................................................................0-2 At Home ...................................................................0-2 On the Road ..............................................................0-0 Neutral.......................................................................0-0 Leading at the half ....................................................0-0 Trailing at the half .................................................... 0-1 Tied at the half ..........................................................0-1 Scoring first .............................................................. 0-0 Opponent scoring first .............................................. 0-2 More shots than opponenet .......................................0-0 Less shots than opponenet ........................................0-2 Shots equal ............................................................... 0-0 More shots on goal ................................................... 0-0 Less shots on goal .....................................................0-2 Shots on goal equal ...................................................0-0 In games decided by one goal .................................. 0-1 In games decided by 2 or more .................................0-1 In August .................................................................. 0-2 In September ............................................................ 0-0 In October ................................................................ 0-0 In November ............................................................ 0-0 On Sunday ................................................................ 0-1 On Monday .............................................................. 0-0 On Tuesday .............................................................. 0-0 On Wednesday ......................................................... 0-0 On Thursday ............................................................ 0-0 On Friday ................................................................. 0-1 On Saturday ............................................................. 0-0 Day Games ............................................................... 0-2 Night Games ............................................................ 0-0
For the Record... Career - Individual
Goals: 1. Theresa Reedy (2001-04) 2. Jackie Thomas (2000-03) 3. Rebekah Clay (2005-08) 4. Krista Muilkens (2005-08) 5. Sophie Hargreaves (2008-11)
34 25 24 22 21
Assists: 1. Rebekah Clay (2005-08) 2. Lauren McAdams (2000-03) 3. Sara Struve (2004-07) Emily Schaller (2000-03) 5. Theresa Reedy (2001-04)
21 15 14 14 13
Points: 1. Theresa Reedy (2001-04) 2. Rebekah Clay (2005-08) 3. Jackie Thomas (2000-03) 4. Krista Muilkens (2005-08) 5. Emily Schaller (2000-03)
81 69 57 52 40
Season - Individual
Goals: 1. Jackie Thomas (2000) Theresa Reedy (2004) 3. Rebekah Clay (2006) 4. Julie Mooney (2011) 3 others tied at 8
13 13 9 8
Assists: 1. Lauren McAdams (2000) 2. Rebekah Clay (2008) 3. Rebekah Clay (2007) 2 others tied at 6
11 8 6
Points: 1. Jackie Thomas (2000) 2. Theresa Reedy (2004) 3. Rebekah Clay (2006) 4. Theresa Reedy (2001)
31 27 22 21
Beth Acreman Head Coach Phone: (270) 809-3136 Email: [email protected] Beth Acreman became Murray State University’s second head women’s soccer coach April 10, 2006. The advances the program has shown in her six seasons have been a success story as the Racers have been positioned to compete for the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season and tournament championship, year in and year out. The Racers have realized the goal of winning each under Coach Acreman with back-to-back league titles. The Racers won the OVC regular season championship in 2008 and won the OVC Tournament in 2009. BUILDING A CHAMPIONSHIP PROGRAM Although the Racers finished 7-9-3 and 4-3-2 in the OVC last year, they are not far removed from playing in the 2009 NCAA Tournament. When Acreman arrived at Murray State in 2006, she quickly began setting the foundation for a championship program. Since her arrival, she has coached 12 First Team all-OVC athletes and has had a player named to an all-conference squad 35 times. MSU Soccer is one of the premier programs in collegiate soccer. Performance on and off the field is emphasized and expected. “Everything we do has a purpose,” Acreman said. “We look for young women who can be excellent studentathletes. This starts with the recruiting process. We look for those who have a strong academic base and a love for the game. When you get a group that takes instruction very well and when we’re all going in the same direction, a special season can happen and this group is certainly putting in the work.” They were right, because in the 2008, the Racers exploded to a 12-5-3 record and won their first OVC regularseason championship when they posted their first undefeated conference season at 4-0. However, the Racers lost a heartbreaking OVC Tournament semifinal game in a shoot-out to Morehead State. The pain of that loss only spurred the Racers to greater things as they returned to the 2009 OVC Tournament as the third seed. MSU buzzed through the field and won the title with wins over Eastern Kentucky (1-0), UT Martin (1-0) and Tennessee Tech (4-0), all by shutout, MSU’s 4-0 victory in the title game over TTU is an OVC Tournament record for largest margin of victory. MSU got a taste of the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament when they represented the OVC in a first round game against Virginia Tech. Like any championship coach, Acreman knows each team, each season is different. “The fun part of coaching for me is the yearly process. Taking a group and seeing what path they need to take to be the best they can be. Leadership is paramount, and we’re getting that from our returners and the newcomers are learning quickly.
ACHIEVING IN THE CLASSROOM Not only has MSU Soccer achieved great things on the field in the Beth Acreman era, the Racers are also performing at a high level in the classroom. In her five seasons at MSU, Beth Acreman has produced teams that have ranked among the best in the nation. In the 2007-08 school year, the Racers reached the top when they were recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America with the best grade point average in the nation among all NCAA D-I schools. MSU’s GPA of 3.61 shared the top spot with Central Michigan University. In the 2010-11 school year, MSU Soccer had several student-athletes recognized for their work in the classroom. The National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) named nine MSU Soccer players to their list of academic winners. Another 10 student-athletes from MSU Soccer were named to the OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll. “All our student-athletes have worked hard both on and off the field, because you can’t have one without the other.” Acreman said. “Our academic achievements are just as important and our program takes academics very seriously.” MSU Soccer now has produced 135 student-athletes that have earned MSU Dean’s List honors since the program was started in 2000. ACREMAN BEFORE MURRAY STATE Acreman’s accomplishments at Murray State are no surprise. She prepared for her first job as a head coach at Middle Tennessee, which proved to be an excellent training ground. During her time in Murfreesboro, Tenn., as an assistant coach, the Blue Raiders compiled a 64-48-7 record, won the 2004 Sun Belt Conference Championship and broke or tied the school record for wins in a season four times. During the same time, the Blue Raiders lost just three Sun Belt Conference matches, going a combined 17-3-5 in league games. Prior to arriving at Middle Tennessee State, Acreman completed a stint with the UK Elite Soccer Academy in New Jersey and served as the head coach at the American Community School in London. Acreman holds the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Premier Diploma, the highest coaching level of the NSCAA. In addition, she holds two NSCAA goalkeeping diplomas. She is also a head coach for the US Olympic Development program and is a course instructor for Kentucky Youth Soccer. Acreman is a native of Yateley, England and graduated from Barton College (N.C.) with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1999. She was a team captain, three-time CVAC All-Conference performer and an AllSouth Region selection. She was a two-sport athlete.
2012 Schedule
Date Aug. 18 Aug. 24 Aug. 26 Aug. 31 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 14 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 28 Sept. 30 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 14 Oct. 19 Oct. 21 Oct. 26 Oct. 28 Nov. 1 Nov. 2 Nov. 4
Murray State Racers at Western Michigan Broncos and Indiana State Sycamores
Opponent Time/Result @Louisiana Tech CANCELLED Arkansas State L, 0-1 Evansville L, 0-2 @Western Michigan 3 p.m. @Indiana State Noon Northern Kentucky 1 p.m. August 31 & September 2, 2012 | Kalamazoo, Mich. & Alabama A&M 3 p.m. Terre Haute, Ind. WMU Soccer Complex & Memorial Stadium | 3 p.m. South Alabama 1 p.m. & Noon @Austin Peay* 2 p.m. @SE Missouri* 7 p.m. @UT Martin* 2 p.m. Belmont* 3 p.m. @SIUE* 7 p.m. @Eastern Illinois* 1 p.m. Jacksonville State* 3 p.m. What’s On Tap... Tennessee Tech* 1 p.m. The Racers will hit the road for the first time this season Eastern Kentucky* 3 p.m. as they face Western Michigan and Indiana State in a pair of Morehead State* 1 p.m. non-conference matchups. Murray State is regaining health and OVC-First Round TBA looking to build toward Ohio Valley Conference play. The Racers OVC-Semifinals TBA started five freshman in their opening weekend of play and had OVC-Championship TBA a sixth play significant minutes. Because of injuries, MSU had eight girls play all 90 minutes against Evansville. All-OVC performer Julie Mooney and team captain Jenelle Cunningham Home games in BOLD played at Cutchin are among the athletes on the injury list. Field *Denotes Ohio Valley Conference game
Series History...
Murray State lost its lone meeting with Western Michigan back in 2010, 6-1. Shauna Wicker got the goal in the loss for the Racers. MSU is 2-3-1 against the Sycamores all-time. The two teams met last season at Cutchin Field as Indiana State prevailed 2-0.
2012 OVC Preseason Poll 1. UT Martin (13)
190
2. SE Missouri (9)
180
3. Morehead State
143
4. Eastern Kentucky
130
T5. Belmont
122
T5. Murray State
122
7. SIUE
98
8. Austin Peay
92
9. Eastern Illinois
65
T10. Jacksonville St.
33
T10. Tennessee Tech
33
School: ..............................Murray State University Location:................................................Murray, Ky. Enrollment:....................................................10,623 Founded: ..........................................................1922 President: ...................................Dr. Randy J. Dunn Athletics Director:..................................Allen Ward Conference:............................................Ohio Valley Nickname: .....................................................Racers Colors: ....................................Navy Blue and Gold Home Field: .......................................Cutchin Field Press Box Phone: ............................(641) 512-1847 Website: .....................................www.goracers.com
Coaching Information
2012 OVC Standings 1.
General Information
Conf.
Overall
Jacksonville St. --
3-1
T2. Austin Peay --
2-1
T2. Belmont --
2-1
T2. E. Kentucky --
2-1
T5. SE Missouri --
1-2-1
T5. Tennessee Tech --
1-2-1
T7. UT Martin --
1-2
T7. SIUE --
1-2
9.
E. Illinois --
1-3
10.
Murray State --
0-2
11.
Morehead State --
0-3
Media Information Intern (Soccer):................................Kevin DeVries Email:[email protected] Office Phone: ..................................(270) 809-7051 Cell Phone:......................................(641) 512-1847 Associate A.D./Director:.....................Dave Winder Assistant Director: ................................John Brush Assistant Director: ...........................Parker Griffith
Head Coach:......................................Beth Acreman Alma Mater: ..................Barton College (N.C.), ’99 Career Record:...........................................50-53-16 Record at Murray State .............................50-53-16 Office Phone:...................................(270) 809-3136 Email: [email protected] Assistant Coach: ...................................Claire Ward Alma Mater:..........................Middle Tennessee, ’06 Office Phone: ..................................(270) 809-7017 Email:[email protected]
Team History 2011 Overall Record: ......................................7-9-3 2011 OVC Record/Finish:.........................4-3-2/5th 2011 Postseason:..............L, 0-1 at Morehead State, OVC First Round Starters Returning/Lost: ......................................7/4 Letterwinners Returning/Lost: ..........................13/6 Newcomers: .........................................................12 Final Regional Ranking: ...................................N/A Started Women’s Soccer: .................................2000 All-Time Record: ..........................97-112-28 (.468) All-Time OVC Record: ..................45-35-13 (.554) OVC Championships: ................................1 (2008) OVC Tournament Champions.....................1 (2009)
2012 Racer Soccer No. Name
Pos.
Ht.
Yr.
Hometown (Previous School)
00
Lauren Kelly
GK
5-6
Sr.
Huntsville, Ala. (Grissom HS)
0
Latisha Stevenson
GK
5-7
Fr.
Benton, Ky. (Marshall County HS)
1
Yi Du
GK
6-1
So.
Shanghai, China (Shanghai Friendship HS)
2
Kayla Harbin
F
5-6
Fr.
Arlington, Texas (Bolton HS)
3
Julie Mooney
M/F
5-5
So.
St. Peters, Mo. (Francis Howell HS)
4
Megg Hudson
F
5-3
Fr.
Murray, Ky. (Murray HS)
5
Rachel Walker
D
5-6
Fr.
Granger, Ind. (Penn HS)
6
Rebecca Bjorkvall
D
5-6
Jr.
Oland, Finland (Lindsey Wilson HS)
8
Sonja Murphy
D/M 5-8
Jr.
Wexford, Ireland (University College)
9
Jenelle Cunningham D
5-7
Sr.
Port of Spain, Trinidad (Victory Christian HS)
10
Bronagh Kerins
D/M 5-4
So.
Sligo, Ireland (Sligo HS)
11
Jillian Russell
M
5-8
Jr.
Independence, Ky. (Simon Kenton HS)
12
Jenna Finke
F
5-7
Fr.
Indianapolis, Ind. (Lutheran HS)
13
Pavilina Nepokojova F
5-8
Fr.
Prague, Czech Republic
14
Veronika Pribyslavska D
5-9
Sr.
Prague, Czech Republic (Business Vlasim)
15
Amber Hanson
D/M 5-4
So.
Bourbonnais, Ill. (Bradley-Bourbonnais HS)
16
Racheal Foxley
M/F
5-6
Fr.
Bolton, England (Turton HS)
17
Morgan Miller
M/F
5-4
Fr.
Owensboro, Ky. (Owensboro HS)
18
Gina Killion
D/M 6-0
Sr.
Fort Wayne, Ind. (Bishop Dwenger HS)
19
Stephanie Gale
M/F
5-4
Sr.
Northampton, England
21
Taylor Stevens
M/F
5-6
Fr.
Fort Wayne, Ind. (Snider HS)
22
Halle Pinkham
D
5-5
Fr.
Elizabethtown, Ky. (West Jessamine HS)
23
Teryn Wright
M
5-5
So.
Nicholasville, Ky. (West Jessamine HS)
Head Coach: Beth Acreman (Barton College (N.C.), 1999) 7th season Assistant Coach: Clare Ward (Middle Tennessee, 2006) Student Assistant: Tara Isbell
Murray State’s Record When... Overall ......................................................................0-2 At Home ...................................................................0-2 On the Road ..............................................................0-0 Neutral.......................................................................0-0 Leading at the half ....................................................0-0 Trailing at the half .................................................... 0-1 Tied at the half ..........................................................0-1 Scoring first .............................................................. 0-0 Opponent scoring first .............................................. 0-2 More shots than opponenet .......................................0-0 Less shots than opponenet ........................................0-2 Shots equal ............................................................... 0-0 More shots on goal ................................................... 0-0 Less shots on goal .....................................................0-2 Shots on goal equal ...................................................0-0 In games decided by one goal .................................. 0-1 In games decided by 2 or more .................................0-1 In August .................................................................. 0-2 In September ............................................................ 0-0 In October ................................................................ 0-0 In November ............................................................ 0-0 On Sunday ................................................................ 0-1 On Monday .............................................................. 0-0 On Tuesday .............................................................. 0-0 On Wednesday ......................................................... 0-0 On Thursday ............................................................ 0-0 On Friday ................................................................. 0-1 On Saturday ............................................................. 0-0 Day Games ............................................................... 0-2 Night Games ............................................................ 0-0
For the Record... Career - Individual
Goals: 1. Theresa Reedy (2001-04) 2. Jackie Thomas (2000-03) 3. Rebekah Clay (2005-08) 4. Krista Muilkens (2005-08) 5. Sophie Hargreaves (2008-11)
34 25 24 22 21
Assists: 1. Rebekah Clay (2005-08) 2. Lauren McAdams (2000-03) 3. Sara Struve (2004-07) Emily Schaller (2000-03) 5. Theresa Reedy (2001-04)
21 15 14 14 13
Points: 1. Theresa Reedy (2001-04) 2. Rebekah Clay (2005-08) 3. Jackie Thomas (2000-03) 4. Krista Muilkens (2005-08) 5. Emily Schaller (2000-03)
81 69 57 52 40
Season - Individual
Goals: 1. Jackie Thomas (2000) Theresa Reedy (2004) 3. Rebekah Clay (2006) 4. Julie Mooney (2011) 3 others tied at 8
13 13 9 8
Assists: 1. Lauren McAdams (2000) 2. Rebekah Clay (2008) 3. Rebekah Clay (2007) 2 others tied at 6
11 8 6
Points: 1. Jackie Thomas (2000) 2. Theresa Reedy (2004) 3. Rebekah Clay (2006) 4. Theresa Reedy (2001)
31 27 22 21
Beth Acreman Head Coach Phone: (270) 809-3136 Email: [email protected] Beth Acreman became Murray State University’s second head women’s soccer coach April 10, 2006. The advances the program has shown in her six seasons have been a success story as the Racers have been positioned to compete for the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season and tournament championship, year in and year out. The Racers have realized the goal of winning each under Coach Acreman with back-to-back league titles. The Racers won the OVC regular season championship in 2008 and won the OVC Tournament in 2009. BUILDING A CHAMPIONSHIP PROGRAM Although the Racers finished 7-9-3 and 4-3-2 in the OVC last year, they are not far removed from playing in the 2009 NCAA Tournament. When Acreman arrived at Murray State in 2006, she quickly began setting the foundation for a championship program. Since her arrival, she has coached 12 First Team all-OVC athletes and has had a player named to an all-conference squad 35 times. MSU Soccer is one of the premier programs in collegiate soccer. Performance on and off the field is emphasized and expected. “Everything we do has a purpose,” Acreman said. “We look for young women who can be excellent studentathletes. This starts with the recruiting process. We look for those who have a strong academic base and a love for the game. When you get a group that takes instruction very well and when we’re all going in the same direction, a special season can happen and this group is certainly putting in the work.” They were right, because in the 2008, the Racers exploded to a 12-5-3 record and won their first OVC regularseason championship when they posted their first undefeated conference season at 4-0. However, the Racers lost a heartbreaking OVC Tournament semifinal game in a shoot-out to Morehead State. The pain of that loss only spurred the Racers to greater things as they returned to the 2009 OVC Tournament as the third seed. MSU buzzed through the field and won the title with wins over Eastern Kentucky (1-0), UT Martin (1-0) and Tennessee Tech (4-0), all by shutout, MSU’s 4-0 victory in the title game over TTU is an OVC Tournament record for largest margin of victory. MSU got a taste of the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament when they represented the OVC in a first round game against Virginia Tech. Like any championship coach, Acreman knows each team, each season is different. “The fun part of coaching for me is the yearly process. Taking a group and seeing what path they need to take to be the best they can be. Leadership is paramount, and we’re getting that from our returners and the newcomers are learning quickly.
ACHIEVING IN THE CLASSROOM Not only has MSU Soccer achieved great things on the field in the Beth Acreman era, the Racers are also performing at a high level in the classroom. In her five seasons at MSU, Beth Acreman has produced teams that have ranked among the best in the nation. In the 2007-08 school year, the Racers reached the top when they were recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America with the best grade point average in the nation among all NCAA D-I schools. MSU’s GPA of 3.61 shared the top spot with Central Michigan University. In the 2010-11 school year, MSU Soccer had several student-athletes recognized for their work in the classroom. The National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) named nine MSU Soccer players to their list of academic winners. Another 10 student-athletes from MSU Soccer were named to the OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll. “All our student-athletes have worked hard both on and off the field, because you can’t have one without the other.” Acreman said. “Our academic achievements are just as important and our program takes academics very seriously.” MSU Soccer now has produced 135 student-athletes that have earned MSU Dean’s List honors since the program was started in 2000. ACREMAN BEFORE MURRAY STATE Acreman’s accomplishments at Murray State are no surprise. She prepared for her first job as a head coach at Middle Tennessee, which proved to be an excellent training ground. During her time in Murfreesboro, Tenn., as an assistant coach, the Blue Raiders compiled a 64-48-7 record, won the 2004 Sun Belt Conference Championship and broke or tied the school record for wins in a season four times. During the same time, the Blue Raiders lost just three Sun Belt Conference matches, going a combined 17-3-5 in league games. Prior to arriving at Middle Tennessee State, Acreman completed a stint with the UK Elite Soccer Academy in New Jersey and served as the head coach at the American Community School in London. Acreman holds the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Premier Diploma, the highest coaching level of the NSCAA. In addition, she holds two NSCAA goalkeeping diplomas. She is also a head coach for the US Olympic Development program and is a course instructor for Kentucky Youth Soccer. Acreman is a native of Yateley, England and graduated from Barton College (N.C.) with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1999. She was a team captain, three-time CVAC All-Conference performer and an AllSouth Region selection. She was a two-sport athlete.
