A young and experienced Grambling State University women’s soccer looks to kick their way past last season struggles with a new sense of ownership and philosophy.
The Lady Tigers struggled to a 1-10-1 record last season with their solo win coming against Alcorn 1-0 at home. Also the Lady Tigers tied Jackson State 1-1 in Jackson, Miss.
Third year Head Coach Totty O. Totty wants his players to have more reasonability on and off the soccer field.
Keion Hayes/The Gramblinite
Domika Bridges (front) and the Lady Tigers practice Wednesday afternoon in preparation for their season opener Friday against Louisiana Tech.
Since taking over the program is 2013 Totty’s overall record is 1-16-1. With one win in two seasons Totty demands more from himself and his players to progress.
“We started with the preseason,” Totty said. “We started one week early so it gives us a better chance and time to view the team. We have a young team but we also focused on team building and comrodery amongst the players. This year the players have a little more responsibility in terms of ownership.”
“They have a better sense of ownership because some of the players last year, their philosophy was different. So this year players are commented and have a good sense of ownership” Totty added.
Despite winning one game last season the young Lady Tigers have tremendous upside. With 16 returning players the Lady Tigers will be a force in the Southwestern Athletic conference.
For the simple fact the Lady Tigers who were beat up, bruised, blooded and left for dead in the SWAC still keep their eyes on the goal of entering the NCAA national tournament and reaching the final four.
Realistically and short term the Lady Tigers are striving for and are starving to reach the SWAC tournament, then to win a conference championship.
“My first day when I took over the program my goal was to get us back to the Grambling tradition of excellence,” Totty said. “Once this team matures and gains more experience they are capable of getting into the NCAA tournament. Getting there on a constant bases and getting to the final four. We might not have that right now but we can get there.”
Grambling is one of five schools in the SWAC who have three championships in school history. Most recent was in 2006 when Grambling defeated Mississippi Valley.
With a young group of players Totty reloaded his roster this offseason to deepen his bench and talent level to reach the SWAC tournament.
“We have recruited more players to get our numbers up,” Totty said. “But the player we recruited are capable of competing. We will compete better than we did last year. We have stronger slashing, but this year we made the necessary adjustments and progress getting more players.”
The Lady Tigers take on La. Tech Friday at 4 p.m. at Grambling.