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Aug. 9, 2012

Head coach Angela Kelly
On opening up against Texas State: It's going to be a very good test, especially since we have only trained for six days. That being said, I could not be more pleased with the chemistry and all the preparation the girls have put in this summer. They are fit. They are excited. They're coachable, and in my mind I have been looking and preparing everyday as if I have 23 freshmen because it is new for all 23. Our main goal right now, however, is just get better with each and every session.

On the strategy going into her first season at Texas: We are going to have a mentality. It starts with maintaining our technical level throughout the full 90 minutes and that starts with fitness. Because we came in so fit that will allow us to compete and play at a high level for the duration of the game. We also understand that we defend as a unit and attack as a unit. So we have really just tried to lay the groundwork these first five days while developing the chemistry and leadership necessary to win.

On starting from square one at Texas: I don't really do transitions being at one place for 16 years, so this is somewhat of a new experience for me and it's very exciting. It's like when I was little and would have the play dough and you would get to mold it in the way in which you see fit. 

On freshman goalkeeper Abby Smith missing the first part of the season while playing for the United States in the Under 20 Women's World Cup: I'm just really excited for Abby. It will be a phenomenal experience for her, and the education and wisdom she's going to gain by competing at the highest level possible is going to be great for her and the future of this program. And we hope we don't have Abby for the longest amount of time possible because that means she will come back just that much better and perhaps as a world champion.

Senior forward Hannah Higgins
On finally getting to play in a real game after such a long offseason: I'm really excited especially since it's my senior year it's just going got be great to see how all the hard work we have all put in will come together and look on the field. This is what we are here at Texas to do. We came here to play soccer and to know that tomorrow we get to step onto that field together is just beyond exciting.

On the seniors' role in bringing the team together: From day one, a goal as the veterans was to get the team on board and bring everybody together as a family as quick as possible, and in my time here at Texas this is by far the closest team I have ever seen. And I think the cohesion will be evident on the field and that's only going to help further on down the road.

Senior midfielder Kristin Cummins
On the new atmosphere Coach Kelly has created in preparation for Friday's exhibition game: It's very competitive and a high-energy atmosphere. Everyday we are pushing each other, and obviously if we are competitive and pushing each other everyday in practice that is going to reflect on the field. So hopefully tomorrow will be a reflection of all the hard work we have put in this past spring and summer.

On the team's goals this season: What we focus on is a day-to-day basis, so our goal is to get better everyday. Wins come, losses come and those are going to depend on our focus that day.

On watching the U.S. National team in the Olympics: We have been watching the games together. We had a watch party for the Canada game, and I'm sure we are going to watch the finals today against Japan as well. And actually Coach Kelly is Canadian so that made the semifinal match a lot of fun.

Senior midfield Kara Hoffman
On the style of play Texas will employ this year: I think you're going to see a lot of simple play that in the end looks really dynamic, and we are going to make sure to spread the field and play to feet much more and not make sure we aren't just kicking and running. 

On the difference in mentality this year compared to years past: It definitely is a different mentality this year with everyone staying all summer and working hard every single day. You could really tell with the fitness test today when all the ones that had already passed were cheering their teammates on all around the track. You could really tell just how close the team has gotten already, and a lot of that has to do with the family-oriented style and accountability Coach Kelly has brought in.