The Fordham women's soccer team announced its 2016 team captains today, as seniors
Nicole Bates,
Ally Doyle, and
Turner Block will wear the captain's band next season.
"Nicole, Ally and Turner take over a program that has had very strong leadership and captains in the past. They've had a chance to formulate their own leadership styles and come into their own in taking over these roles since the season ended in the Fall," said head coach
Jessica Clinton. "They will serve as great captains because they are about striving for excellence in the classroom and on the field. They are role models when it comes to hard work, standards, and expectations in all performance facets."
All three players received awards last season, as they helped the Rams reached the Atlantic 10 Championship game for the third time in team history.
Bates and Doyle were both named Second Team All-Atlantic 10, as they anchored a Rams' defense, which set the school record for shutouts in a season with 11. The Rams allowed less than a goal per game at 0.85, which was the second-best mark in team history. Bates and Doyle added one assist each on the offensive end in 22 games, while academically both were named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll. Bates was also named to the Atlantic 10 Women's Soccer Academic All-Conference and All-Championship teams.
Block, who recorded one assist in 10 games this season, was one of two recipients of this year's Ram Pride Award. She was in charge of the team's community service committee and is one of the women's soccer representatives on Fordham's Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). She constantly did the little things to make herself and her teammates better, and is always there to lend a helping hand. One of the hardest working players on and off the field, Block is often seen running extra sprints, coming out early or staying late after sessions to do the little things. Her positivity was infectious and one can't help but smile when she is around.
"This past fall, we had a record breaking season, and although we will miss our graduating seniors and captains, we believe that with our strong group of nine mature and committed seniors, we will be counting on them to continue as our leadership team as we continue to put ourselves in a position to earn a postseason bid. To have Nicole, Ally and Turner at the helm of the program, we know that the team is in good hands and we know the work they have put in to make this team a success," said Clinton.
The Fordham women's soccer team is slated to open their 2016 campaign on Friday, August 19
th at DePaul.
