Posted August 18, 2009

Allison Sanyi is the acting soccer coach in place of Enzo Fuschino, who remains hospitalized after sufferering a heart attack Aug. 1. She talks about the upcoming season with Sports Information Director Paul Erickson.

An experienced Pioneer team looks to celebrate more goals in 2009

How hard has it been, knowing that Enzo is in the hospital? I know it's something that goes through everyone's thoughts constantly.

"That's really been hard. We are all thinking about him every day, thinking what's going on with the family, if they're OK or if they need anything and trying to walk the fine line between not bugging them and being concerned for them. One thing that will make my job much easier this year is the motivation is definitely there. I won't have to do much to the teams to motivate them because they so want the season to go well for Enzo and his family."

What's been going through your mind the last month, pertaining to the on-the-field things?

"The last month has been a little crazy, trying to finalize things. I'm just excited to get the players here and take this season from day one, trying to build off last season's successes for both the men and the women. I know they are ready to go."

Last year the Pioneers improved by six games in 2008. Of the seven returning all-conference players in the league, you have three of them. Do you feel the team is ready to take that next step?

"I think so. We got to the first round of the (six-team) conference tournament last year, and everyone is ready to make a statement and be ready to play. We have some freshmen who are going to help us a lot. Everyone is excited and ready to go. Hopefully we gell together in the first week and are set to go."

What are your goals for training camp?

"The first day is just get the jitters out and have everybody play. We want to get to know each other and our goals for the season. We want to get everyone on the same page. We want to stay healthy and be set to go from day one."