Grambling State University senior soccer player Miranda Urbizu is adamant that her team will turn around their 0-5 start to the season.
“I think it will take a lot of dedication, hard work, communication and motivation,” Urbizu said. “It will require everyone doing their job and making sure they’re on top of their game and with everyone doing their job, there’s no reason why we shouldn't bring home our first W for the season.”
Coach Craig Roberts is the head coach of the GSU women’s soccer team and he enters his second year as head coach. Last season, the Lady Tigers made it to the SWAC Championship but lost the match by one penalty kick.
Urbizu is a senior forward for the GSU Lady Tigers. She is a criminal justice major from San Marcos, Texas who formerly played soccer at the University of Houston.
In her opinion, everyone has more work to do and they could all work harder and focus more on their weak areas.
“We haven't brought home a win but we hope to very soon.”
This year, the Lady Tigers have indulged in many hardships. For instance, due to Hurricane Ida that drastically affected many southern schools in Louisiana, their game against Nicholls State was canceled.
“I feel very disappointed that the Nicholls game had to be cancelled but our lives matter first,”Urbizu said. “At the end of the day, you can always reschedule a game but you can never get your life back. I’m just glad that we were all able to overcome Hurricane Ida even though many others didn’t. However, my heart goes out to the families who are in deep need. If there’s anything we could do as a team to help, we will more than likely fulfill those needs.”
Even though the team works out as often as they could, Urbizu feels like physical fitness is something they could work on out in the field. This year, the Lady Tigers haven’t scored more than one goal in each game.
“I feel as if physical fitness is key to being a good soccer player,” Urbizu said. “Not only that but I would also consider myself strong, fast, and able to move fast & quickly. The sport of soccer
requires proficiency in all of these aspects of fitness so it's essential to have all of these qualities.”
The Lady Tigers went 8-2-2 last season under the direction of Roberts in his first season. However, due to the nationwide pandemic, the team only played conference opponents. So far this year the Lady Tigers have only played against non conference opponents.
“There are many ways we as a team could improve our scoring goals,” she said. “We all must work on our technique, we must practice with a purpose and overall just be confident.”
Up next, the Lady Tigers soccer team will take on Jackson State University at the GSU Softball Complex on Oct. 1.
The match is slated to begin at 5 p.m.
Miranda Urbizu