2012 Soccer Outlook
The Brenau University Golden Tigers soccer team is coming off one of their best seasons in recent history; finishing with a 10-6-3 overall record and a 9-3 SSAC mark. After going winless in their first five outings of 2011, the team finally found its form and won ten of the next fourteen games to secure a solid third place finish in the conference- despite being picked to finish close to the bottom in the pre-season coaches poll. The Golden Tigers narrowly missed an opportunity to compete at the NAIA National Tournament after losing in the SSAC semi-final match.
This year's team should be well-positioned to build on the success they enjoyed last fall. Head Coach, Mike Lochstampfor will return all but two starters from the 2011 team and has recruited some very talented players that should elevate the program to unprecedented heights. Headlining those recruits are two of the best junior college transfers in the nation in Linda Chukwuji and Esther Anyanwu. Both players hail from Lagos, Nigeria and amongst other impressive credentials, they were both recently named GCAA Players-of-the-Year in addition to being named to the NJCAA All-America First Team. Both will have an incredible impact on the Golden Tiger's offense. The freshman class includes two very talented players in Monica Sanchez (Miami, FL), and Kaylee Ellison (Auburn, FL). Sanchez- who has trained with the Columbian national team- and Ellison, both have the capability to step in and make an impact immediately.
With the return of three solid starting defenders and an all conference goalkeeper, the defense will be one of the keys for Brenau's success in 2012. The Golden Tigers will turn to sophomore1st Team All-Conferencegoalkeeper Tori Brown (Windermere, FL) for defensive leadership. Brown recorded 6 shutouts in 2011 and will be called on once again for her shot stopping ability. Helping to anchor the defense will be veteran defenders Hannah Norwood, (Lilburn, GA), Anna Garrett (Marietta, GA), senior Taylor Bates (Locust Grove, GA) and junior speedster Janay Hunt, (Madison, AL).
The Golden Tigers midfield should undoubtedly be stronger with the return of several veterans and some new talent. Kirsty Smith (Doncaster, England), another 2011 all-conference performer, returns for her junior season as a Golden Tiger. Smith has the ability to play in the middle or can run on the left flank with her ability to serve a precise cross. In the middle, sophomore Elizabeth Campbell (Richmond Hill, GA) made a significant impact in her role last year as a holding midfielder and with her experience will only continue to solidify the position. The addition of Linda Chukwuji (Lagos, Nigeria) will add depth and experience to the central midfield position as her skill and calmness under pressure will be an invaluable asset to the success of this team. First year player, Monica Sanchez (Miami, FL), has experience on the international stage that will be a huge factor in her transition to the college level. On the other flank, sophomore Kayla Madsen (Gainesville, GA) brings tremendous pace and a high fitness level to the position. Madsen was one of the Tigers scoring leaders in 2011.
Finally, the Golden Tigers offense should be very exciting to watch in 2012. Returning from 2011, All-SSAC performer, Jenny Knibbs (Doncaster, England) led Brenau with 12 goals and 9 assists and will likely team up with newcomer Esther Anyanwu (Lagos, Nigeria). Anayanwu has consistently been one of the nation's top scoring leaders at the junior college level and should play a comparable role for Brenau.
Brenau soccer fans should once again be excited about what could again be a record setting season for the Golden Tigers soccer team! The schedule is a challenging one but will demonstrate early on what this team can achieve!