Living up to this level of expectation may be an impossible task. However, the returning group of players seems dedicated to making it back to the national tournament and fighting for two more wins. The task of leading this talented group will belong to new head coach Mark Zathey. Former coach Rick Larson has taken a full-time position at another school, leaving Zathey a talented group, but a difficult task. Madonna will return 14 players from last season's squad.
Most starters are back, but the depth of the squad has been depleted a bit.
A strong group of four newcomers will look to offset the loss of players from the 2000 team. A common in sports is that defense wins championships. Indeed, defense was a key last season and will be a strong suit in 2001. All-American goal keeper Jennifer Barker . The senior Barker had an outstanding 2000 season, capped by being named the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the National Tournament.