HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The 2015 Coker College men's soccer team is preparing for its third season of South Atlantic Conference play, and second-year head coach Chris Williams has assembled a new-look Coker roster that consist of 17 returners and 29 new players.
"The preseason has been going well, we brought in 29 new players so it has been one of the busiest preseasons I can remember," said Williams. "The guys came in fit and ready to go, and right now we are focused on the guys understanding the concepts, the ideas and getting them to work together and be organized."
The Cobras finished last season with a 4-4-3 in conference record and clinched their third straight SAC postseason berth. Entering the 2015 campaign, they are ranked No. 9 in the SAC preseason poll. Wingate is the heavy favorite, with Carson-Newman coming in at No. 2.
"The SAC is one of the top conferences in the nation when it comes to men's soccer, every team is so strong and the players are so experienced," said Williams. "There are no easy games and any team can beat another on any given night, which means we have to show up every game."
Coker graduated eight seniors from last season, including defender Fernando Bedoya and midfielder Tony Quiroz.
The 2015 preseason second team All-SAC duo of goalkeeper Kyndle Cobb and forward Connor Norton-Baker are among the key returners for Coker.
"Both guys bring the experience we need to be successful," said Williams. "Kyndle is probably the fittest I've seen him and we will look for Connor to be a goal-scorer and leader out on the field. But I expect all the returners to step up and be leaders and set the tone for the new guys."
However, Williams was quick to give praise to his 29 new additions to the roster and how vital they will be to Coker men's soccer continued success.
"Their work ethic is just off the charts, they are really beginning to grasp the concepts and ideas that we have set forth," said Williams. "They are realizing what a great opportunity this is for them."
The coaching staff along with the players knows the rich tradition of Coker men's soccer and the expectations have not waivered from continuing that success.
"I think the guys will use that ranking as a bit of a motivating factor, but we are not going to get wrapped up in the ranking," said Williams. "We want these guys to understand and enjoy the process and not be so outcome oriented. I think if we do that, we can have a successful season."
The Cobras will begin the 2015 regular season on the road on Saturday, Sept. 5 against local rival Francis Marion University at 7:00 p.m.