University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Matthew A. Smith
No. 22 Tigers Wrap Up Opening Week of Preseason
Aug 05, 2022 | Women's Soccer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Head women's soccer coach Brooks Monaghan and crew finished their opening week of training camp today to officially kick off the 2022 season. They will play in their first of three exhibitions on Sunday afternoon at Missouri.
The Tigers, who were picked at No. 22 in the preseason United Soccer Coaches Poll earlier this week, are the highest ranking American Athletic Conference team in the polls after claiming the AAC Championship a season ago and making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
"They are working their tails off," said Monaghan. "The team is already pretty fit having been here for the past month and that has helped a lot with the fitness testing and after watching them play this past week, we feel that this team might be a little deeper than last season."
While a good portion of the team are newcomers, the players doesn't see that as a struggle. Kimberley Smit, who is in her fifth year with the Tigers, says the chemistry amongst the team is strong.
"We're spending a lot of time with each other, and I think that helps," said Smit. "Along with practices and lifts, we're together at lunches, dinners and after practices so overall, it's going well."
For newcomer Zoe May, while the preseason is a bit different than what she has seen in the past, the team culture is making the week that much better.
"The speed of play is super-fast and up-beat, which is a change but a good one," said May. "Everyone is always loud and cheering each other on so it makes it fun and competitive."
Memphis will play at Missouri on Sunday before hosting UT-Martin and Auburn for exhibition matches next Wednesday and Saturday. The Tigers will kick-off the 2022 season at home against Little Rock on Thursday, August 18. The team will celebrate Senior Night prior to kick-off to honor Mackenzie Bray, Tanya Boychuk, Allie Rathbun, Kimberley Smit and Maddie Stoks.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Soccer, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The Tigers, who were picked at No. 22 in the preseason United Soccer Coaches Poll earlier this week, are the highest ranking American Athletic Conference team in the polls after claiming the AAC Championship a season ago and making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
"They are working their tails off," said Monaghan. "The team is already pretty fit having been here for the past month and that has helped a lot with the fitness testing and after watching them play this past week, we feel that this team might be a little deeper than last season."
While a good portion of the team are newcomers, the players doesn't see that as a struggle. Kimberley Smit, who is in her fifth year with the Tigers, says the chemistry amongst the team is strong.
"We're spending a lot of time with each other, and I think that helps," said Smit. "Along with practices and lifts, we're together at lunches, dinners and after practices so overall, it's going well."
For newcomer Zoe May, while the preseason is a bit different than what she has seen in the past, the team culture is making the week that much better.
"The speed of play is super-fast and up-beat, which is a change but a good one," said May. "Everyone is always loud and cheering each other on so it makes it fun and competitive."
Memphis will play at Missouri on Sunday before hosting UT-Martin and Auburn for exhibition matches next Wednesday and Saturday. The Tigers will kick-off the 2022 season at home against Little Rock on Thursday, August 18. The team will celebrate Senior Night prior to kick-off to honor Mackenzie Bray, Tanya Boychuk, Allie Rathbun, Kimberley Smit and Maddie Stoks.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Soccer, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
M/F
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's SoccerWomen's Soccer: Finley Lavin Press Conference- July 29, 2025
Tuesday, July 29
Women's Soccer: Brooks Monaghan Press Conference- July 29, 2025
Tuesday, July 29
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Women's Soccer Edition - April 28, 2025
Monday, April 28
Women's Soccer: AAC Quarterfinal vs. Tulsa-November 5, 2025
Tuesday, November 05