Bailey Schafbuch | Sports Co-Editor
Courtney VanHaaften | Sports Assistant Editor

The Buena Vista University women’s soccer team has been on a roll so far this season as Head Coach Toni Tommasi became the program’s all-time winning-est coach, and the team established a record of 4-0-1, marking the best start in program’s history.

This success can’t be contributed solely to the coach or the players. The team worked hard during the off-season, so when pre-season arrived, the girls were in tip-top shape.

“This group listened when I advised them to do their workouts during the off-season. The little nagging injuries weren’t there, which allowed us to really move quickly and move forward,” Tommasi said.

In addition to being in good physical shape, the women have been taking care of their bodies off the field as well. Because the sport can be very taxing, they practice proper nutrition and seek advice from the trainers as needed.

As the women continue to train, Tommasi continues to provide good leadership with his key coaching philosophies.

“I have enjoyed every opportunity as a head coach in a rebuilding program. It’s wonderful for me to feel that we’re on the turn here. We’re not the BVU of the past. I asked the players to buy in, work hard, have fun, stay loyal to the system, and good things will happen,” Tommasi said.

The players have truly started to trust their coach’s core principles.
“Coach really believes in you. It’s really nice having a coach who’s there for you and cares so much. He really just wants you to be better and to better your game,” freshman soccer player Nicole Smith said.

The team is looking to better their perfect record throughout the rest of the season. Their goals are to have the first winning season in BVU history and to participate in the conference tournament.

Photos by David Ekstrom
Video by Kamsa Thephavong

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