<a href='http://www.mdjonline.com/92/10191108.txt' target='_blank'>From the Marietta Daily Journal, 8/5/05:</a>:

Quote:Owls get instant respect

Friday, August 5, 2005 3:05 AM EDT

By David Friedlander
Marietta Daily Journal Sports Writer

As a newcomer to both Division I and the Atlantic Sun Conference, it might seem difficult for the average Kennesaw State athletic team to get much respect before it plays a game.

Then again, the Owls' women's soccer program has proven it is anything but average in its previous three seasons - which included a 55-5-2 record and the 2003 NCAA Division II National Championship.

That reputation, along with nine returning starters, was enough to impress the Atlantic Sun's coaches.

The Owls were voted fourth by the conference's coaches and were just seven points away from being as high as second behind consensus top choice Florida Atlantic.

Included in KSU's totals was one first-place vote, and the instant respect is something coach Rob King said wasn't surprising, especially after the Owls more than held their own after jumping up to Division I a year before most of the school's other sports.

"Apparently, (the Atlantic Sun coaches) have seen enough of us to think we can be competitive," King said. "For them to recognize us as a contender right off the bat like that is great. We know the conference teams fairly well, and we expect to go in and do well."

FAU was the coaches' preseason choice to win the conference with nine of the 11 first-place votes for a total of 118 points.

Gardner-Webb was second with 94 points, with Campbell third at 90 points, followed by KSU with 87. Jacksonville, Stetson, Mercer, East Tennessee State, North Florida, Belmont and Lipscomb rounded out the poll.

KSU opens conference play on the road at fellow conference newcomer - and former Peach Belt Conference rival - UNF on Sept. 23 in Jacksonville.

The Owls also will take on a strong non-conference schedule, which includes games with traditionally strong programs like Auburn, Clemson, Alabama-Birmingham, Tulane, Pittsburgh, Georgia State and Tennessee Tech.&nbsp;

While that slate might seem ambitious, King is confident his team is ready for it, particularly after strong showings in close losses to nationally-ranked North Carolina, Duke and Clemson last season.

"Once you play those types of teams and at least are able to hold your own, nobody really scares you," King said. "(Playing a strong schedule) is a good opportunity for us right off the bat to go up against strong opponents, especially with five new players."

While the Owls are expected to be among the contenders for the Atlantic Sun's regular season title, they will not be eligible for the conference's tournament title and its automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament until next season.

"They're in the second year of their two-year probationary period (for Division I)," KSU athletics director Dr. Dave Waples said. "So, they can't go to the NCAA until next year. But Rob's done a great job, and personally, I think they'll be fighting for the (A-Sun's regular season) title."

King welcomes back a seasoned roster that features seven former Cobb high school players - including former Sprayberry stars Jenae Gzehoviak and Trina Hirsch and ex-Walton standout Stephanie Grzeszkowiak - and other top players like 2005 Independent Schools Player of the Year Laura Tucker three-year starting goalkeeper Jessica Marek this season.

KSU begins preseason practice next Thursday at the KSU Soccer Complex.