Picture Day

This afternoon the Hornets reported to the fieldhouse a litter bit before practice so they could have their pictures taken for the 2010 season.  Be sure to check out the website in a couple days to see the smiling Hornets, we'll be sure to post a couple here as well. 

GO HORNETS!!!

Squirt Guns and Water Balloons

Another steamy day in Kalamazoo, most likely the last 90 degree day of the year.  This morning's practice consisted of and advancement from a training session ran last week.  Beginning with a technical warm-up the team focused on their attacking movements in and around the goal..  Lots and lots of opportunities to combine and attack were prevalent throughout the morning.  The training session would end with half field 4v4.  I'm sure the team would agree that it was certainly a superb fitness activity!

The afternoon was a little bit lighter on the legs.  Plenty of reps with receiving and first touch.  Once again it started out simples and slowly gained a little complexity.  From simple throw-ins and touches to measured touches and finesse movement into space.  Then the team applied all of the components as the moved in front of goal.  The team would end in a 8v8 setup.  As the team prepared to cool down Assistant Coach Wells and a couple of the training staff's favorite Hornets came up to the field with a couple of water balloons and a fully loaded squirt guns.  It didn't take more than one minute for the water balloons to begin flying.  It was a nice way to end another hot training session.  Just three days until the first match!  It would be great to see you there! 

The players are working hard and taking care of their bodies.  Hydrating, Fueling, Sleeping.  They are preparing themselves well for a rugged non-conference schedule!

GO HORNETS!!!

Second Defender and Headers

Scorcher at the field but the team worked hard and got a lot accomplished.  Just 4 days until the games begin!

GO HORNETS!!!

Life's a Beach

Instead of a late morning conditioning session the Hornets headed to the margins of Michigan, specifically South Haven to enjoy an absolutely incredible day at the Beach.  Water temperature was a very comfortable 75 degrees.  The girls were put under strict order to apply sunscreen liberally and drink plenty of water.  In fact, they took their own Gatorade cooler full of ice water with them.  Beach activities included, laying out, reading, frisbee, volleyball, sand Hornet building (Yes, they built a Hornet made of sand), and swimming or was it just standing in the water?

After a couple hours of lounging and relaxing lakeside the girls headed two blocks east of the beach and were graciously hosted by K alums Barry and Liz Smith and their beagle Elle for a late afternoon lunch.  What a meal!  Pulled pork and grilled portabellas, along with coleslaw, pasta salad, fruit salad, chips and an amazing dip, and cupcakes too.  The meal was INCREDIBLE and the visit was a superb break for the team and coach after six full days of soccer.  Pictures will be posted soon!  Week 2 officially begins tomorrow as the 2010 schedule as real games will kick-off in less than a week.  Plenty to do before that whistle blows.

Thanks Again to Liz and Barry for providing a great retreat for the team today!  What hospitality!


GO HORNETS!!!

Pool Workout

Saturday was set as a recovery day for the K women.  Practice began at 10am inside the Anderson Athletic Center.  The home of Hornet volleyball and basketball.  Training consisted of lots of technical repetitions and touches on the ball.  This lasted for approximately 45 minutes and then the morning concluded with 20 minutes of basketball.  Lots of potential shown by some of the players and others still showing that they are pretty new to the game.  Quite entertaining, not a thing of beauty, fun was had by most.  Coach tried to make a couple coaching points about how basketball relates to soccer but couldn't sink a shot to save his life and maybe should just stick to soccer in the future.


The players had the afternoon off and took full advantage to see the Hornet men play WMU in a traditional exhibition match contesting the Gazelle Cup.  After claiming the Cup last year the Hornet men put up a good fight to defend their title but were unable to hold off the Broncos who prevailed 3-1.  Match Recap  It appears that the Hornet men have a ton of depth and talent.  They should definitely provide plenty of entertainment for K soccer fans throughout the Fall.


After dinner the Hornets would meet again in the evening and headed over to the pool with Coach Carlson for one of her pool workouts.  A very popular pre-season event Coach Carlson worked the team hard for an hour in the water.  A good effort by the girls and a strong recovery day should set them up well as Week 2 of the pre-season gradually approaches.  Great Job Hornets!



GO HORNETS!!!