At Loyola-Marymount

LMU 1, UP 0

Pilots get off 3 shots. Kinda dispiriting.

Last year we finished tied for fifth in the WCC with 4 wins. This season we're currently sixth with tonight's loss. I can understand how it's difficult to competitively recruit against the big programs in the major conferences but how does one explain being out-recruited within a mid-major? Or, worse, is the UP roster talent level on par with others in the WCC and we're just getting out-played and/or out-coached?

That's a good question, Susie Que.  Its one thing to fall behind the Power 5 type programs, but now we are losing to other mid majors... I think the need to increase the support for the program and addressing personnel is quite evident, to reference the AD's quote in another thread.  I think that was clear last season, too...  

My goodness.  We were a national power--how did we get to the point of questioning whether increased program support was necessary?  Hasn't the evidence been all around us for a few years now that YES it needs to be addressed?  

The Athletic Department needs to start taking action: MSOC, WSOC, MBX, WBX are all in need of $ignificant additional $upport/ attention/ improvement.  Baseball needs significant additional inve$tment to re-build the grandstands/facilities.  

A lot of money needs to be raised & spent, folks.... Are we going to keep up?  Aim high and be a leader?  Or be a small-time program that struggles to keep up?

PilotNut wrote:The Athletic Department needs to start taking action: MSOC, WSOC, MBX, WBX are all in need of $ignificant additional $upport/ attention/ improvement.  Baseball needs significant additional inve$tment to re-build the grandstands/facilities. 

A lot of money needs to be raised & spent, folks.... Are we going to keep up?  Aim high and be a leader?  Or be a small-time program that struggles to keep up?

Well, I agree that all of us should be doing our part to fund the student-athlete's endeavors on the court, pitch, and field and I encourage everyone to do so, but I disagree that all the programs mentioned are in need of significant improvement.

The Men's Soccer and Men's Basketball programs are actually doing well and are remaining competitive, and the teams are fun to watch.  Baseball has a new coach and a recent infusion of cash has made his hiring and the new field, lights, and facilities possible.

Yes, Women's Basketball was dreadful last year while trying to adapt to a new system under a new coach with "old" players. The addition of new and more physical players this year should mean some upturn, but the team as a whole may be a couple of years away from being competitive in the WCC.

Volleyball had an excellent start to the season and generated lots of interest, but WCC play has put them back at the bottom of the conference and the heady days of August and September are now forgotten.  But again, this team is in still in the early stages of rebuilding under a relatively new coaching staff.  They are a lot better than last year and I think most expect them to improve even more next season.

OK, Women's Soccer....that program is not in good shape....and the UP administration at the highest level is well aware of it and is concerned!  It has already been stated that the college soccer landscape has changed dramatically since 2005, but for the past couple of years this team, although showing bursts of really good soccer, has not been nearly as consistent, deep, or talented as it needs to be if it is to be competitive in the WCC.

As mentioned, the UP administration is well aware the Women's Soccer team is not even close to where the school and the team's supporters expect it to be with regard to wins and losses and team oriented success. I don't know nearly enough about soccer to comment on the what the coaches and players should be doing to get better results, but those in the administration who are advised by people who do know a such things are certainly taking a close look at what it's going to take to turn the program around.  

If it's going to take a change of head coach to turn the program around....then that is what will happen!

The AD painted himself in a corner when he first got the job and said women's soccer was the crown jewel of the department.