The fields have been mowed, the cleats laced, and the locker rooms are buzzing. Yes, it’s that time again and for past few days the Hawks have been back at Roger Williams gearing up for their respective seasons. But before they officially don their uniforms and take the field for the first time, we’ve caught up with the coaches to get an inside look at what you can expect come game time.
Team: Women’s Soccer
Coach: Abigail Jackson
Captains: N/A
Games to Watch: Wheaton College, Endicott College
Last fall, the women’s soccer team had a groundbreaking season, earning entry to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the history of the program. With new coach Abigail Jackson, the team expects to continue their momentum and build on last season’s successes. Currently holding a preseason predicted finish of second in the conference, the Hawks look to beat expectations and repeat as TCCC Champions.
“My main goal,” says Coach Jackson, “is to build the type of chemistry that will help us achieve our goals on the field and come together as a group off the field.”
So what can fans expect to see from the Hawks? In addition to great soccer, Coach Jackson says to get ready for some real passion and hopefully another run in the NCAA tournament.
Team: Sailing
Coach: Amanda Callahan
Captains: Jon Enright and Ryan McHorney
Regattas to Watch: Sept. 12-13 – Opening Weekend; Oct. 10-11 – New England Men’s Singlehanded Championships; November 1-3 Boat Team race
Coming off another great season in which four Hawks earned a place among the best collegiate sailors in the country as ICSA All-Americans, all eyes are sure to be on the Bay this fall. After capturing the program’s first national championship with Cy Thompson’s Men’s Singlehanded title last year, Head Coach Amanda Callahan hopes to continue the success and says this season is sure to be an exciting one.
“I have high expectations for this year,” she said. “We’ve got three home regattas and our sights are set on qualifying for the Sloop National Championships, something the team hasn’t done since 2006.”
Team: Men’s Soccer
Coach: Jim Cook
Captains: Justin Plourde and Chris Guerrini
Games to Watch: WNEC
After graduating six seniors, the Men’s Soccer team has its eyes on rebuilding with some fresh talent. Despite the youth, the team was still chosen to finish second in the preseason coaches’ poll. Head Coach Jim Cook says he’s excited for his team’s chances to do well in a tough conference. “We have a talented incoming freshman class,” says Coach Cook. “I expect several of the newcomers to challenge each other for a significant playing time.”
What can we expect from the Hawks on the field this fall? Coach Cook says a strengthened offensive line should yield plenty of exciting, hopefully high scoring games.
Team: Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
Coach: Sean Livingston
Men's Captains: Chris Disciullo, Tim Eynatian and Tom Maybury
Women's Captains: Susan Thaxter, Lisa Marie McNulty and Alyssa Donovan
Meets to Watch: RWU Invitational, Gordon College
With a conference championship to defend, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams return hungry for a repeat. On the men’s side, Coach Livingston says he expects a few of last season’s standouts to return ready to step into a leadership role and guide the Hawks to their ninth straight TCCC title. “Junior’s Tom Maybury, Jon Ellis and Andrew Gallant are going to probably be the core of the varsity,” says Livingston. “All these guys had good seasons last year but I expect them to improve significantly this fall.”
As for the Women’s team, Livingston says they come into the fall with depth on their side and look to bring home their tenth straight championship. “Returning All-Conference runners Susan Thaxter, Alyssa Donovan and Juliana Fernandes will help lead the charge. It will be a real battle to see who among the returning women will get into the top seven for us.”
Team: Equestrian
Head Coach: Eliza Davis
Captains: Kayla Waskiewicz, Samantha Taylor, Olivia Cornell, Shannon O'Keefe
Shows to Watch: RWU/Brown University Show
Ending their season with a solid showing at the Regional Championships, the Equestrian team returns for fall ready to work hard and win. Head Coach Eliza Davis says one of her goals is placing first and taking top honors at one of the ten horseshows in which they compete.
“My expectations,” says Davis “is that the team comes back to school with excitement for the season ahead.”
Team: Volleyball
Head Coach: Bret Stothart
Captains: N/A
Games to Watch: Endicott College
Volleyball is definitely a team sport, and with a renewed energy the Hawks enter the fall season as one of the teams to beat, being picked third in the preseason poll. “Last year we lost some games we shouldn't have,” says Coach Bret Stothart. “This year we'll look to enter every game playing with the passion, focus and intensity that is takes to win a championship.”
While the Hawks have a tough schedule ahead, Stothart says they’ve got what it takes to go all the way. “Within the TCCC we'll face tough opponents every outing. But if we enter each match with a high level of confidence we could have a very strong year.”
Team: Women’s Tennis
Head Coach: Neil Caniga
Captains: N/A
Matches to Watch: Endicott, Salve Regina
With new courts here on campus and a new coaching staff, the Hawks have a renewed excitement about their upcoming season. “I just can’t wait for us to have fans at our matches again,” says senior Paige Cunningham.
With this enthusiasm and a preseason rank of fourth in the conference, the team looks not only to challenge their opponents but also to reclaim their TCCC title after last winning the championship in 2007.
So mark your schedules, grab your friends, and get ready to cheer on your teams!
GO HAWKS!