Aug. 12, 2003

WACO, Texas - First-year Baylor head coach George Van Linder will lead the Baylor soccer team on to the practice field for the first time on Wednesday. The Bears are scheduled to practice from 9-11 a.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. throughout preseason camp.

Seven seniors return to lead the 2003 squad including team captains Melissa Humke and Candace Reilly. The top six scorers from last season also return for the Green and Gold. Junior Kristin Ruef and sophomore Tiffany Boshers paced the Baylor offense a year ago, accumulating 15 points each.

"Our goal for this first year is to make a difference in the Big 12 standings," Van Linder said. "We plan to do that with our tremendous senior leadership. This team is determined to make a difference and the general attitude is that success is overdue."

Van Linder is a seven-year head-coaching veteran. He has led his teams to five conference titles and four NCAA tournament appearances.

The Baylor squad fell short of its goals last season. After getting out to a 6-1 start, the Bears struggled late in the year to finish the season with an overall record of 8-9-2