@CanesFutbol Names Trio as Team Captains
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – In the midst of preseason training in preparation for their fall schedule, the University of Miami women’s soccer program named senior forward Ashley Flinn, senior defender Maddie Simms and junior defender Shannon McCarthy team captains.
“I’m really excited. I think that the three of them this summer really stepped up in a leadership role in regards to organizing our team,” head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said. “[Coaches] can’t work with them in the summer, so they did a great job structuring our players and getting across the culture of what Miami soccer is all about.”
Now in her second year at helm of the program, Monroe said her trio of captains embodies the program’s values.
“It’s something we want passed on to every class coming into this program from here on out,” Monroe said. “Three years from now, five years from now, 10 years from now – they’ve really done a great job creating the atmosphere we need.”
A third-team All-ACC selection at striker a season ago, Flinn led the team and ranked seventh in the ACC with 10 goals. The Romeo, Mich., native recorded four multi-goal performances in 2013, including her career-first hat trick in a 6-1 win over Cleveland State. She totaled a team-high five game-winning goals.
“She’s in a different place right now because she’s working her way back into training,” Monroe said of Flinn. “Even though she’s not 100% at this moment in time, she hasn’t let that affect where she’s supposed to be as a leader. What’s best for the team is always at the top of her mind.”
Simms has been a cog in Miami’s defense over her three seasons in orange & green, and has started all 55 matches of her career since arriving on campus in 2011. Simms put forth 90-minute performances in 17 of 18 matches last season, totaling a team-high 1,638 minutes with five shots from the defensive backline.
“From when we got here as a coaching staff, we knew Maddie had the talent to be a starter, a captain, and a leader for us in the back,” Monroe said. “She had stints of showing great character, but she was young and had to grow into that role. I can tell you right now, she’s a different person…I think she needed some excitement. I’m proud of her. She has really bought in.”
McCarthy, who started the first three games of 2013 before undergoing season-ending surgery, figures to play a pivotal role in Miami’s defense this fall. The Brighton, Mich., native played in 16 of 20 matches as a freshman, including a 106-minute performance
“I think Shannon had a lot to learn last year. When you can’t be on the field to prove yourself, you have to lead in a different way,” Monroe said. “It took her a little bit of time, but she was eventually the loudest one on the sideline, the one cheering people on, the one telling subs how well they did. She has become a student of the game in the past year.”
Miami opens up its fall slate with an exhibition against USF on Mon., Aug. 11 at Cobb Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
