Aug. 18, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland men's and women's soccer teams held the 2003 Media Day at Ludwig Field on Monday afternoon. Nearly 25 members of the local media ranging from the Washington Times to Comcast SportsNet to FOX 5 were in attendance.

The head coach husband-wife team of Sasho and Shannon Cirovski answered many questions as well as many members of the Terps.

The women's team will take on Richmond next Monday, Aug. 25 in a preseason scrimmage.

Quotes from Monday's Media Day:

Head Coach Shannon Higgins-Cirovski:

On the big-game experience of her team: I think our leadership knows what to expect from some of the bigger games and the precedent they have to set during their training in order to get there. I really feel confident with the fact that we have been in some of those NCAA games. They have the experience of playing in front of crowds and some of the best teams in the country, and they know they can win.

On the schedule: There really is no substitute for NCAA experience and playing with the pressure of knowing that you have to win. Our schedule prepares us for that. We have a challenging schedule again this year with eight teams that were in the NCAA tournament last year and we are feeling confident.

Senior forward/midfielder Katie Ludwig

On the team's outlook: I think we have some good additions to the squad with the four freshman. We are working a lot harder than we ever have and we have made the commitment that we are going to work hard every practice and have it show through when we start playing.

Senior midfielder Audra Poulin

On her role: I think my role is mainly to be the third center midfielder. I sit in behind the two and then I keep the ball moving and am kind of like a playmaker. I can bring some calmness to the field. I can help us with possession. With my experience, I can be here for the freshman because I've been here for the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows.

On her objectives for this season: I would like to have a few more assists this year. Last year, I scored a lot of goals but I didn't get as many assists as I would have liked, so I'm going to concentrate on that and hopefully keep on scoring goals.