COACH SPEAK: Valparaiso Women's Soccer Preview
Aug. 17, 2008
Valparaiso women's soccer head coach John Marovich takes time with www.horizonleague.org to preview the Crusaders' 2008 season. This year Valpo tied for fifth in the preseason coaches' poll. Last season the Crusaders tallied their fourth-consecutive winning season with a 10-9 record.
Q: How excited were you to take over as head coach after serving as the assistant coach for the past six seasons?
A: "I am extremely excited to be the third head coach in the history of the women's soccer program at Valparaiso University. It has been a goal of mine to be a head coach but the most rewarding part of the whole process was the confidence my athletic director, Mark LaBarbera, had in entrusting this program to me. Coach Anthony and I worked very hard turning Valpo into an exciting place to play soccer and I am very thrilled to continue the growth of this program in the Horizon League."
Q: How smooth has the transition been for you in going from the assistant position to the head coaching position?
A: "The transition has been pretty seamless. I was given an opportunity over the past six years to take a great deal of ownership in the program. This ownership gave me significant responsibilities which has prepared me for the coming season and my new role. However, it has been wonderful to work with this team because while most new head coaches are working with individuals they did not recruit, I have been dealing with student athletes that I recruited and believe in. These players have made my transition a smooth and rewarding one."
Q: What expectations do you have for this year's team?
A: "My expectations for this group are to build upon the lessons learned during our first year in the Horizon League in 2007. It is vital that our student-athletes continue to stretch themselves on the field and in the classroom. Our focus will be on developing a greater understanding of ourselves, our teammates, the game and the coaching staff."
Q: What can this team build off of following a year where Valparaiso recorded eight shutouts?
A: "I think the most important thing the 2008 squad can take away from last seasons shutouts would be the importance of being organized and disciplined defensively."
Q: Since 2004 Valparaiso has posted a 24-8-1 record at home, how have you been able to be so successful at home over the past few years?
A: "Our success at home is a direct result of the support from our fans and the comfort level we have with our game field. I think the routine we have at home gives our players great confidence."
Q: What is one thing you have stressed to your team in the preseason so far?
A: "This preseason we have stressed our overall industriousness and enthusiasm. We believe that these attributes are the foundation of future successes and our overall core set of values."
Q: How difficult will it be to replace five starters from last year's team?
A: "Anytime you replace five starters, it can be a difficult process however, I believe in the players on our roster and know they will step up and elevate their performances. We don't need our current players to be the previous five players, but they need to impose their personality and skill on the game so they can be the best players they can be."
