As Brandywine’s fall sports’ seasons are well underway, new faces have the tough task of putting Brandywine’s women’s soccer on the map.
Penn State Brandywine has added women’s soccer to the mix. During the fall of 2014 the team played locally, but this year they have moved to an intercollegiate schedule. To accompany the new team, there are many newcomers on Brandywine’s campus and a new coach as well –Sharif Sabar.
Sabar, a Boyertown, PA native, worked as an assistant coach at Immaculata University and coached club soccer for 12 years. Sabar expects a lot this season.
“Our expectations are to have fun and build a culture around our team,” Sabar said.
Assistant Coach Takyiyah Thomas backed up Sabar’s idea.
“Our goal is to create a culture for this team and a foundation,” Thomas said.
With the season underway, Coach Sabar seems to be enjoying Brandywine thus far.
“I don’t like it, I love it, and it seems as if we’re one big family,” Sabar said. “The other coaches have been extremely helpful and supportive since my arrival.”
“I enjoy it here, and we have great facilities,” Thomas said.
While both coaches adapt to their new homes, the players embrace similar challenges. The players are looking forward to new challenges too. Freshman midfielder Ami Iannello, from Strath Haven High is excited about the team.
“So far I really like Brandywine, the teachers and students have been very supportive and welcoming,” Iannello said. “Our coaches are doing the best they can in developing the team, and it seems like we have really developed since the first day of preseason.”
This team has a lot of work to put in for the upcoming season and are hoping to improve skills and develop leadership among those who step up this year. It will be interesting to see the impact this team makes, not only on campus but also in the league as well. Developing chemistry throughout the new squad may be key to how they perform in the upcoming season. When the scrimmages come to a close, and the first games are played, Brandywine students and staff will have a better idea of how the new Nittany Lions look and what can be expected for the upcoming season.
Lion’s Eye Staff Writer
David Brown, dvb5451@psu.edu (updated by the Lion’s Eye web staff)