Aug. 12, 2005

FORT WORTH, Texas - The TCU Horned Frogs have completed five practices thus far under new women's soccer head coach Dan Abdalla. Frog fans can get a sneak preview of the 2005 squad Tuesday when it plays an exhibition match against Texas Wesleyan at Garvey-Rosenthal Stadium. Match time is set for 1 p.m. and admission is free.

Coach Abdalla and junior defender Breanne Kaldheim took some time to answer a few questions about practices so far.

Coach Abdalla on Friday morning's practice: "I loved the character we saw out of the kids today. We challenged them physically and mentally; harder than most of them have ever seen. They responded great as a team. Not one player dropped; they all stepped up. Once again, the work they did over the summer is paying off."

Coach Abdalla on the team: "We're dealing with a pretty small roster, which as long as we stay healthy is nice. It's given the team a lot more time to get to know each other and should help us blend a lot sooner. It's been fun to watch the personalities come together and see how everyone plays off each other. We've got some personalities in this group and that's going to make things a lot of fun. Even as tired as they were after the session this morning, I heard a couple of the older players ask the freshmen if they needed help moving stuff into their dorms today. That type of camaraderie is a good sign and shows the quality of people we've got within this program."

Coach Abdalla on upcoming practices: "We'll continue to focus on the defensive side of the ball for the next several sessions. We've spent a lot of time on 1-v-1 and 2-v-2 defending, just breaking it down to the basics. It's been great with the competitiveness that has created. One of our number one goals going into the year is to significantly decrease the number of goals, chances and corners that we give up as a team. If we can accomplish that we'll keep ourselves in every game and give ourselves a chance. And if we've got a chance in a game, I certainly like our chances."

Breanne Kaldheim on the team: "Throughout the last five practices, the team has worked hard. There is definitely a competitive spirit, which is exciting for the upcoming season. The character and work ethic of the team also provides a lot of hope for a successful season."

Breanne Kaldheim on the team's chemistry: "The chemistry of the team is coming together on and off the field, which will be essential for a good season on the field. Everyone's hard work and dedication throughout the summer is appreciated in practice and will show in the success of the team this season."

Breanne Kaldheim on the newcomers: "The new additions to the team this year will definitely be beneficial for all of us this season."