Helping the transition is the fact that the team will have more experience than ever next season. The Rams currently have just three open spots for recruits. Stephanie Boisvert, Mary Drapetis, and Seymour were the only seniors this season, which means the new coach will not have to scramble to sign a lot of recruits. With Zanni and Kittelson both heading into their senior season, Rhode Island will concentrate on bringing in a new central midfielder and some help at the forward spot for next season. Because much of the team's youth in the backfield, the Rams can afford to wait a year on recruiting defenders.
Success breeds expectations.
Besides adjusting to a new coach, Rhode Island's road to the championship will be hindered by a tough schedule. Rhode Island has just four conference games at home next year and seven on the road. One of those road games will be against the newest A-10 school, the University of Richmond. The Spiders, who made the NCAA tournament this season, are expected to compete with the top teams. Though they can enjoy the success of the 2000 season, the Rams will be ready to play for a title next fall.