PVCC Puma Press: December 2006

The PVCC women’s soccer team had a magical, record setting season, but it has unfortunately come to an end. The Pumas hopes of a Region championship were dashed when visiting Mesa beat the Pumas 1-0 in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Region I championship.

“Overall, it was still a great season,” said PVCC woman’s soccer coach, Kacey Bingham. “We know we could have done better, but it was a stepping stone in the right direction,”

This season produced a new school record for wins (14), a national ranking (12) and a bevy of awards. Coach Bingham was named the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, while players Jo Radcliffe, Sam Smith and Shelby Snyder made first team All-ACCAC. Dani Guest was a second team selection and Holly Garcia and Sara Olson were honorable mentions.

“Being named coach of the year is obviously a credit to the team and is a reflection of the team’s play,” said a Bingham. “All three of the girls who made first team All-ACCAC are freshman, and that is the most first team players ever at PVCC. It pushes them and raises the bar for next year.”

Luckily for Bingham and the Puma nation, the team expects 14 freshmen to return, including Radcliffe and Snyder. Bingham will use this recruiting class to build more depth and to replace much of the back line and the departure of keeper Dani Guest.

“We are looking to pick up some backs and a new keeper,” said Bingham. “Recruits need to know that this is a dedicated program and that we are here to play.”

The hopes for a regional, and even a national title were lost, but this team has a resiliency that speaks volumes. “Those girls know it was win or go home. Unfortunately, we lost,” said Bingham. “But we had a great season and should be proud and challenge ourselves for next year.”

The girls will have a few weeks off, but then it is right back to the grindstone. “The girls enroll in a conditioning class and a soccer class on campus and there is a summer soccer course,” said Bingham.

If this season was only a glimpse of things to come on the soccer field, then the Pumas should have a lot to cheer for next season.