Oct. 4, 2001

Head soccer coach Nick Cowell sat down Thursday afternoon and chatted with fans online. The following is a transcript of the chat session.

For archived transcripts of earlier chats, click here.

Karen Newland/Lakewood: Nick, why isn't my daughter getting more playiung time?

Nick Cowell: Since Sarah never had the best speed when she was at her peak, I dread to think how quick she is now that she's almost married.

[Note: Sarah Newland was actually an all-American defender from Colorado who played for me a few years ago at Trinity.]

tom , michigan: How do you feel about this weeks up comming game against University of texas

Nick Cowell: It's a tremendous opportunity for our team to get back on track after a subpar performance at Iowa State. Our team is selected for its ability to compete against top-25 teams, and this weekend gives us the opportunity to play against two top-level programs.

bdevil5(waco): what do you prefer in an athelete, skill or fitness? and why do take that aproach?

Nick Cowell: We look at four major components of a soccer player: technique, tactical understanding, fitness and the psychological dimension. Fitness is important at the collegiate level because of the physical nature of the women's collegiate game. However, the other components of a soccer player are equally important.

Mission: Will your rotation of players be narrowed down now that conference play has begun?

Nick Cowell: I think that as the season progresses, certain players tend to get stronger and other players start to have difficulties. These difficulties can range from injuries to the challenge of living and studying away from home for the first time. So in answer to your question, I would expect us to be using fewer players as the strong players continue to get stronger.

John C. (Waco): Why do you continue to play freshman that aren't contributing, when there are upperclassmen on the bench who could do a better job? and don't try and tell me you don't know what I'm talking about cause I go to all the games and I can list the players for you if I need to?

Nick Cowell: All of our decisions are based on who we feel deserves to play based on performance in practice and in game situations. It really doesn't matter to me how old a player is, the measuring stick is what they do when given the opportunity to play.

Nick Cowell: Well -- gotta run. Thanks -- we'll do this again sometime!