LSU soccer head coach Brian Lee is ready to take your questions or comments about the LSU soccer program, upcoming events, and anything else that you’d like to know about soccer. If you have a question for coach Lee, click here and complete the form
During the 2005 season, coach Lee will post his replies on this page.
Sept. 15, 2005
1. What impact has the disruption of the hurricane had on the focus of the team?
Our student-athletes have done an outstanding job of dealing with the on and off the field issues created from Katrina. I am very proud of their reaction and willingness to lend a hand to people in need when the opportunity arose. On the field, the kids have done a great job of using practice as a release from any extra stress they are feeling from the events of the past couple weeks.
2. I took my three daughters to the Jackson State game on Sunday. They all play in Alexandria, and I like for them to see a higher level to get them motivated and give them an idea of how to get better. The difference between this year and last is impressive, and the complete ball control the Tigers demonstrated was outstanding. Beautiful passing and several balls served perfectly in front of the net. The fun zone for kids is also helpful as my 8-year-old doesn’t have the attention span for the whole game. Kudos to Coach Lee for a great job with the team this year. I look forward to some superior soccer in the future, well worth the two-hour drive from Central Louisiana to see.
Thanks for the kind words. We are very excited about the future of LSU soccer and what is going to happen this fall and beyond with the program. We appreciate you making the commute to see us and hope you can make it to our next home weekend Sept. 30 and October 2 against Ole Miss and Mississippi State! We strive to create a family atmosphere around our matches and the kids playground seems to be a big hit!
3. What do you have to do to beat good teams like Alabama and Tulane?
I will pass along your compliments to Don (Alabama coach) and Betsy (Tulane coach)! We have a lot of respect for every opponent and right now our focus is on our last non-conference match at Birmingham Southern this Monday. It is our last chance to prepare for the rigors of SEC play and we are looking to continue to improve. All we ask from our team is to be prepared physically and mentally and then compete with maximum effort. We will find out if that is good enough to beat Alabama on October 14.
4. Welcome to Baton Rouge, and congratulations on what appears to be the start of a great season. I am a first year soccer coach of a U12 girls’ team in the Livingston Parish. Last fall my daughter’s U10 coach was able to obtain some complimentary tickets for the team to attend one of the Tigers’ home games. Is there any chance that I might be able to do the same?
Great question! Our marketing department runs a variety of promotions that involve youth teams. Contact Lee DeLeon at 225-578-6884 or ldeleon@lsu.edu and he can help you. Hope to see you at the Ole Miss game on the 30th!
5. I would like to know if there are any plans in playing more schools from Texas in the upcoming season?
We actually open the 2006 season in Dallas against SMU! We strive to play a nationally competitive schedule and Texas houses some of the top programs in the country. It is also a recruiting hotbed and we want to make ourselves very visible in the state – so we will do all we can to make more games happen. Our only constraint is we only have approximately 4 non-conference away games a year.
6. As I am sure you have seen, your old school, Furman, just defeated #10 Ohio State 1-0. What are your thoughts on this big win for your alma mater?
I was very excited for Coach Burr and the Paladins! It is no surprise to me – they are well coached and very talented. I am certain they will have a great season and I am cheering them on from afar.
7. We have enjoyed all of the LSU home games over the past couple years. One of the highlights for my child has been being able to interact with the players (pictures and autographs) after the game. Will the players still be able to interact with young fans after the home games this year?
Absolutely! As soon as the game ends our fans (young and old!) are welcome onto the field. Just tug on a shirt or say hi and our players will be very accommodating! We appreciate your support!
8. I attended my first collegiate soccer game Sunday, in which I enjoyed thoroughly. My sudden interest in the sport is due to my son, who at 4 years old took interest in the sport. My question is, do you measure the speed of your athletes (like 40-yard dash) and at what distance? Also, who is your fastest player and what is her speed?
Glad you could make it to the game! Our physical tests include the 40-yard dash, L drills and pro agility measures. Our fastest 40 time this year is 4.84 by Elena Sutherland, who is a former national level youth track athlete.
Thanks for all the questions!
GEAUX TIGERS!
Brian