Even with such an unprecedented time ahead of them, LSU Soccer is confident that the newcomers and fresh coaching staff will lead them to a successful season. The Tigers will open up their season against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Sept. 19 at 3:00 p.m. CST.
With almost twenty years of coaching experience, Sian Hudson will make her debut as head coach at LSU after coaching for three seasons at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Prior to collegiate coaching, Hudson led the Pride Soccer Club in Colorado Springs to win 11 state championships from 2002-2015.
“While this year has obviously been very unorthodox, I feel very strongly about our team’s preparation, cohesion, and desire to grow and compete. The girls have been absolutely first class in their effort and application all summer and our new staff is excited to lead this program into a new era.” Hudson told lsusports.net.
Although COVID-19 has given SEC soccer a late start to their season, Hudson believes a longer preseason is exactly what the Tigers needed to transition to a new coaching staff and truly unite as a team.
Senior Chiara Ritchie-Williams and sophomore Maddie Moreau are expected to lead the squad this season. Williams has starred as a defender for the past three years and was named a Second-Team All-SEC performer in her freshmen year.
“The team is closer than it has ever been in the 4 years I’ve been here, I know this will translate onto the field. We have weekly team bonding activities that encourage us to be vulnerable with each other. As a team, we embody the “we over me” mentality,” Williams said. “Preparing for every game is going to be crucial regardless of who we play. Physically and mentally this season will be even tougher because of the uncertainty of COVID but I’m incredibly excited to get after it and show everyone that the LSU Tigers are here to compete.”
LSU Soccer’s first home match in Baton Rouge will occur on Sept. 27 against Ole Miss at 3 p.m. The following game will also occur at home on Oct. 3 against Auburn. Fan attendance at home games will be determined before the first home match.
