Juniors lead on MU soccer team
COLUMBIA — Earlier this year, the MU soccer team and staff elected juniors Mo Redmond and Janelle Cordia captains of the young squad. This marks the first time in the past three years that captains have beenchosen.
“We decide if we are going to have captains on a year-to-year basis,” coach Bryan Blitz said. “The captains were chosen because we needed someone to be an administrator for the team. This year we will see if it’s more effective.”
Junior Mo Redmond has accepted the leadership role, but insists that leadership will come from all members of the junior class.
“Someone can lead at any point in time. All the juniors are working together,” Redmond said.
This will not be Redmond’s first time in a leadership position. She led her club team and always embraced the challenge.
“I guess I have never been afraid to lead. I have always wanted to help and motivate people,” she said.
Before accepting the captain position, Redmond and Cordia had a conversation with Blitz. Blitz informed the girls of their responsibilities and what it means to be a leader for the team.
Blitz said Redmond and Cordia are great choices for captain because they are “polar opposites.”
“Each of the girls reaches different people in the group,” Blitz said. “Mo can be an emotional leader both on and off the field while Jen is calm and acts as the steady hand of the team.”
Redmond and the other juniors have made an effort to help the younger members with both personal issues and with ways to improve their game.
“I try to help them become more adjusted to the collegiate level of play,” Redmond said.
Freshman Kari Adam said the juniors have stepped up with willingness to help off the field and by leading the scrimmages in the summer.
“It’s an easier way of listening to a coach. They encourage us on the field and help us keep going when we make a mistake,” Adam said.
One thing is apparent. The team believes it will be able to play at a high level without any seniors.
“I don’t think it’s that big of a deal,” Redmond said. “As freshman we had a lot of starters and playing time. We are young, but really experienced.”
Blitz said he is looking for consistency out of his young team this year.
“It doesn’t matter how you start, it’s how you finish,” Blitz said. “We need more equilibrium and to still play at a high level. I think it comes with maturity and the painful lessons of last year.”