By Karen Allen

ROME--The Lady Hawks soccer team is optimistic for the start of the 2013 season. With injuries behind them, the returning players are eager to get back in action; while the newcomers are ready just to get started.

In his first season as head coach, Ben Birdsong hopes that in 2013 his team will make an impact not only in the NCAA and the Gulf South, but also the NCCAA. He's optimistic that the team he has put together will experience a lot of success during the season.

With a talented and experienced group of seniors, the Lady Hawks are motivated to succeed. After injuries plagued the last couple of seasons for them, all have returned to the Hill healthy and ready to compete. The determination that they have shown in overcoming obstacles will no doubt aid them in reaching the goals they have set for this season.

Among the seniors are two forwards, which Birdsong feels will make a huge impact this year. "I'm excited about Aline and Helena, and the ability they have to score a lot of goals for us, and ultimately win us a lot of games," he says about Aline Bez Tamiosso and Helena Farinha.

Joining Tamiosso and Farinha in their final season with the Lady Hawks are Taylor Hays, Mary Kate Lollar, Kelli Davis, Kelly Crawford, Jessica Wright, Samantha Stephens, and Carleigh Butcher.

Hays, Lollar and Kelli Davis are all returning from injury in 2013, while Crawford and Farinha look to pick up where they left off—both started all 18 games last season. Tamiosso, Wright, Stephens, and Butcher round out what is an experienced group that hope to end their careers with Shorter on a high note.

In addition to the leadership of the eight seniors are seven returning players from last season roster. Diamond Davis, like Crawford and Farinha, started every game last season. Katie Stachula took over goalie duties once Hays went down with injury last season and didn't disappoint; posting a .697 save percentage in 15 games.

Also returning for the Lady Hawks are Cintia Lamas—who last season scored one goal and added three assists, Jessica Yeargin, Kalley Estep, Katelyn Mullenix, and Haley Lademann. 

"One of our strengths this season is the depth that the newcomers have added to our roster," Birdsong comments, "along with the returning players we've really been able to increase our level of play."

Joining Shorter are eight freshmen that will make their collegiate debuts this season. Included in the list of newcomers is Dettingen, Germany native Tabea Kirchner, Fort Payne, Alabama's Casey Gregg, Maggie Pruitt of Roswell, Hochston, Ga. native Lora Bruce, and Julia Raymond of Woodstock. Caitlin Walters joins the team from Huntsville, Ala.; while Makaylie Gibbs and Brooke Forrest are from Cartersville, Ga. and Greenville, S.C., respectively.

The Lady Hawks will put their preseason preparations to the test on Thursday, September 5, as they travel to Young Harris College for a 4pm game to begin the 2013 season. When the two teams met last season the Mountain Lions came out on top, 2-1.

Fans unable to attend the game can follow the live stats provided by Young Harris by following this link: http://livestats.prestosports.com/youngharris/