WASHINGTON – With one week to go until Georgetown Women's Soccer begin its 2020 campaign at George Mason, Head Coach Dave Nolan sat down to talk about his team, their expectations in the BIG EAST, and the unique challenges this season has presented so far. 

Next Thursday's meeting with the Patriots will be the start of Nolan's 17th season as head coach of the women's soccer program. Currently, Nolan boasts 217 career wins and 13-straight seasons with at least 10 wins. Over those 13 seasons, the team has made eight-straight NCAA Tournament appearances (10 overall) and has reached the College Cup Semifinal twice in 2016 and 2018. Once conference play resumes, Nolan will be eligible for his 100th BIG EAST win. This year's team features 20 returning players and eight fresh faces––two of whom are graduate students. 

DAVE NOLAN Q&A:

1. Before returning to the Hilltop in January, what were some ways you kept the team involved and in shape even though they weren't in person or together as a team?

"This group has always been a group that prides itself on having the necessary fitness to compete at the highest level. Our culture demands it so that was never a concern for me. Trying to keep the group connected with themselves and the staff was a challenge, with all their class work on Zoom the last thing they wanted or needed was more Zooms. So, we tried to keep things short, light and varied. We had alumni Zoom panels on career paths, had guest speakers and tried some fun events. The players themselves set up smaller sub groups and tried hard to keep themselves energized and connected."

2. It's been a unique year to say the least. How have the coaches and players adapted to all of the safety measures you have to follow?

"Our Sports Medicine area has done a great outlining the new normal and clearly explained what was needed in order for us to return, practice and compete. The players are so grateful and excited to be back, as are the coaching staff so it has just become a cost of doing business. In the big picture wearing a mask and washing your hands and practicing proper social distancing is also what society has to do and we have the same responsibility. I have to commend the players, they do all that is asked of them and never complain.

3. This season, we have six freshmen on the team and two graduate transfers. What can we expect from them?

"The Freshmen will have the hardest transition because they have been mostly shut down as they prepared for their college soccer debuts. We will have to see how quick their learning curve is. Our two fifth year transfers have experience competing at the highest level, Daisy at Cal-Berkeley and Kaitlyn at Santa Clara they will be in the same position as all our returners. Their experience will help them tremendously." 

4. What can we expect from our returners this season?

"A group that is committed to winning a Big East Championship and returning to the NCAA Tournament, hopefully for another deep run. However, this Spring is truly a wildcard season, we have had some players be able to work on their game through practicing and even playing with their local teams over the last 12 months and we have had others simply not have that opportunity. We will do our best and see where it takes us".

5. Georgetown has been voted the BIG EAST preseason favorite for the past five seasons. What do you think that says about this program and the conference?

"People like to put a bullseye on our back, however we have consistently been in the top three teams in the conference over the last 10 years, and had a great run 2016-2018 so I suppose that earns you respect. This year we have to do our best and hope it's enough for another championship. Last year Xavier were worthy winners and we have to hopefully get through our division, full of quality teams for another crack at them."

6. Have there been any surprise positives throughout this pandemic and not being able to play until the spring?

"That's a tough question and my first thought was NO! However, I think the ability to play (coach) a sport we love and to be part of such a tight-knit group may be appreciated even more now as a result of the Pandemic."

7. What are the team's goals for the season – what will it take for you to conclude that it was a successful year?

"The goal is to have fun, do our best and see where that takes us. There are so many things out of the staff and players' control I think anything else will set you up for failure."

8. How have the newcomers adapted to such an unusual first year at Georgetown?

"The freshmen are so excited to finally be on campus, the transfers are so excited to see a different part of the country and play in a new environment, making new friends and hopefully learning a fresh approach to soccer. At this point, all things considering everyone is adapting well. Credit has to be  given to the returners for creating a welcoming atmosphere for all new faces."

9. What has it been like to coach a team during a pandemic?

"Ha, that's the million-dollar question. It's so strange. All meetings are on Zoom, players and staff. The necessary return-to-play medical protocols have meant a slow steady return, which is new to the players and staff. Preseason in cold weather and dealing with snow is all so different from August and summer climate. Having six weeks to prepare and not two and a half weeks etc. It's all so different but make no mistakes, everybody is so happy to be back they are taking it in stride, the coaching staff included."

10. You have a somewhat brand new coaching staff this season. What do they all bring to the table?

"Both Lindsey & Kristen over the last 5-6 years were a huge part of our success and off course they will be missed. Lyndse was ready to take her own program as the new Head Coach at Colgate University and Kristen has stepped out of coaching now to start a family, both exciting challenges but I am lucky that Naomi was able to step back into her role now that her children are a little older and having the opportunity to bring Rick on board was too good to pass up. We now have 3 Head Coaches on staff, all bringing different things to the table, this can only help us grow."

11. What would you say sets this 2020-21 team apart from past teams you have coached?

"That's easy, the first team to compete in a pandemic. Their experiences over the last 12 months have made them tougher and more resilient. They simply get on with it every day, no complaining just meet every obstacle head on. Their discipline in doing the right thing every day off the field in order to do what they want to do on the field is commendable."

12. What does the new BIG EAST divisions mean for the Hoyas?

"Playing a team twice in the regular season will be strange, possibly a third time will be even stranger. Missing out on the opportunity to play the Midwest teams and that opportunity will be different also, however we always take it one day at a time and are just so happy to be back competing."