2024 Women's Soccer Season Preview
Wednesday August 21, 2024 - 7:00 p.m. | Dylan DeVlieger
MCC Women's Soccer kicks off their season on the road this Saturday as they travel to face Chandler-Gilbert.
The Lady T-Birds are coming off a 5-10 (4-8 ACCAC) 2023 campaign which had its ups and downs throughout the season. The energy around the team this season makes one feel that this year will be a lot different than last year for many reasons.
For starters, Mesa will take on an all DII conference schedule, moving away from facing both DI & DII opponents as they had in previous years.
For head coach Drew Guarneri, not going against teams in the division above them will be very much welcomed, with MCC not having the same opportunities and amenities as a true DI they were already behind the eight ball as it was when it came to recruiting before they even stepped on the field. Guarneri hopes sticking to a DII schedule will not only help his team stay more competitive, but also more confident.
"Not having those teams on our schedule to blow your confidence will help us a lot," said Guarneri. "Going to an all DII schedule makes you feel like you can compete any given day."
A confidence boost was much needed after MCC ran what seemed like a gauntlet of four DI teams in the span of six games last season. In those games the T-Birds were outscored, 35-2 including a 17-0 shutout at home to Arizona Western College who was a top 15 team at the time.
Towards the end of the season, once the T-Birds regained their footing and got key pieces back, they did make a run to try and steal the last postseason spot and had a chance to in their last game of the season, but a loss to Glendale sunk their hopes.
After a season where goals were not met and opportunities squandered, as many coaches do, Guarneri took the responsibility of his team coming up short.
"Last year's results fell on me, they fell on no one else. I did not prepare us well enough, I didn't push them, I didn't make them accountable for their summer program, I said here you go, do it. My mindset and focus is changing which I think carries over to the kids," said Guarneri.
Another big adjustment this season for Mesa was Guarneri finally becoming a full time coach at Mesa which was long overdue. With the ability to solely focus on his program, Guarneri implemented an offseason program and was able to hold his team accountable which has put his team leaps and bounds ahead of where they were at this point last season.
"We've had kids committed to the summer program, when I was part time that was more difficult to do," said Guarneri. "We're ten times ahead of where we were last off season."
The new attitude and buy-in of the team is not felt by just Guarneri but his team as well. Sophomore Grace Otero sees the difference between this year's group compared to last year's team and is encouraged by the turnaround.
"All the girls are motivated and want to win. Everyone pushes each other and we're just solid players this year that are hungry to win," said Otero.
An even more encouraging factor in the 2024 team is the group Guarneri has are head and shoulders better soccer players than what he has had in the past. His incoming freshman fit the build of players who know how to compete and win. While his returners are one year richer of experience are still making strides to become better players.
One returner Guarneri spoke highly of for her off season transformation was Jasmin Reyes.
Reyes and Guarneri had a discussion at the end of last season about what was needed of Reyes to keep her spot on the team. With those goals set, Reyes worked her tail off in the offseason to achieve them and continue to be able to call herself a T-Bird soccer player.
Having a true offseason program where players can be together, form that bond, and work on their craft has been beneficial to everyone in particularly Rylee Lawson.
Lawson came to Mesa late in the season last year. After missing a few games, she jumped in with her new team which at times was difficult. Forging chemistry with your teammates is tough as it is, competing with a team that has already played multiple games together is even tougher.
Now with a modified season under her belt and an off season program, Lawson is more confident in her team and herself going into the year.
"Coming from last year where I didnt know what I was expecting and this year where I do, it brings me more motivation especially seeing the girls who are more athletic and have been playing longer. It brings higher stakes and more competition," said Lawson.
Both Otero and Lawson are going to be players that Guarneri will look upon to help lead his team as they try to crack the postseason for the first time since 2021.
For Otero it will be all about motivating her teammates. Since she was a T-Bird last season she understands that the year can be a roller coaster at times, but it's all about how you take the ups and downs.
"I'm going to lead the team by motivating and pushing them to their limits, coaching them through ups and downs and be big too," said Otero.
In Lawson's case setting the example will be critical, showing her team how to conduct yourself and being available to her team will be huge.
"I want to lead by example, I want to be someone that everyone can come to. I think last year team chemistry was something we were missing last year," said Lawson.
The expectation for the T-Birds is to compete in every game this season, preparation for each individual opponent will be big for the team and staff as they begin their hunt for success.
The T-Birds will kick off their season on the road against the Coyotes on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 8 p.m. To purchase tickets to the game click here. All tickets for the game on the 24th must be purchased online.
This season admission to all T-Bird home games requires purchase of a ticket which will be sold at the gate before the game. See ticket prices below.
Ticket Prices - CASH ONLY!
Adults - $5
Children 12-18 & adults aged 65 and up - $3
Children under 12 & college students with school ID - FREE
Photo Credit: Harmony Turley - @harmonyturleyphotography
