The University of Mississippi Athletics
?The Herd? Jumps Into SEC Play Sunday Vs. Auburn
9/26/2009 | Soccer
By Austin Miller, Athletics Media Relations
Collectively and affectionately called "the herd" by their teammates, this year's freshmen class is set to jump into Southeastern Conference play with one of the Rebels' biggest rivals from the western division - the Auburn Tigers - on Sunday at the Ole Miss Soccer Stadium at 2 p.m., televised live by ESPNU.
The rookie class of 14 players, the largest in the SEC this year and also in school history, has impressed teammates, coaches and fans alike with not only its large number, but also more importantly, with the quality of play.
Recruiting such a big number, however, was not an overnight process for Rebel coach Steve Holeman and his staff.
"It's kind of like our recruiting class just grew," Holeman said. "We started with nine. We thought we were finished, and we added two more, and then there were a couple of girls that walked on that are included in the mix, then we added a player late. But it's a big number for sure."
Commenting on what this year's freshmen have contributed to the program, Holeman said, "They've brought a lot of energy and a lot of intensity. We've had several freshmen that have gotten lots of playing time and three have been consistent starters with us. So they've added a lot to our program."
On her contribution to the team thus far, freshman forward Mary Bailey Wickham reflects, "Individually, I didn't think I was going to play at all. I thought I was going to be redshirted, and then I just scored last week. I can't believe it and I can't believe how good our freshmen are. We're a young team, but we're doing well."
Five freshmen have already scored their first collegiate goals, including midfielder Arielle Cohen scoring in her first collegiate game. On her play thus far this season, Cohen said, "I want to keep improving and keep being able to contribute to the team. I am glad I got to step in and contribute this season."
Another consistent starting freshman defender Brittany King, who is currently leading the Rebels in minutes, along with fellow starting rookie defender Alix Hildal, played key roles in leading the Rebels to a school-record five straight shutout victories, including a 1-0 decision at then-24th ranked Memphis.
The success on the field this year, however, has not been without adjustments from both the incoming freshmen and the returning upperclassmen. Cohen points to the speed of the game and also the difficulty to balance everything, including an increased academic workload, as the biggest challenge between high school and club soccer and the heightened demands of college.
From an upperclassman's perspective, senior defender Mallory Coleman commented, "I would have to say that it was a little nerve-racking with so many new people and so many new personalities, but we have really meshed well, and we've gotten to be a close group, and I think all of them have worked hard and it's been great to see how they're developing."
Holeman compliments his upperclassmen, his three seniors and one junior, who have gone out of their way to make the freshman feel comfortable.
Coleman agreed with her coach. "We try to keep everyone involved. We're out here on the field so much and that can start to wear on you, but it's also important to have fun outside of soccer. We have team meals together and try to go see a movie, just hang out and make sure that we enforce that it is important to be close as a team off the field as well as on the field."
With a successful non-conference schedule and the first true home televised game since 2001, players, coaches and fans are optimistic that the continued individual and team successes will continue with the beginning of conference play this weekend. Although having already faced two top-25 caliber teams on the road in Memphis and Miami (Fla.), Coleman reiterated the emphasis on league play: "It's different and I just hope they're ready."
In describing Ole Miss' continued recruiting appeal, Holeman said, "Ole Miss is a great school, and the SEC is a big-time conference. A lot of people want to come to the SEC. As a matter of fact, if we allowed every player who wanted to come be a part of our program, we probably would have had 20 or 25 this year."
With the caliber of student-athlete Ole Miss has attracted and should continue to attract, combined with hard work and strong leadership, it's no wonder why this year's team has meshed so well and generated so much excitement for the program.
