MILLERSVILLE, PA --- As another season approaches, head coach Shelly Behrens looks to return the program back to the top of the PSAC. From conference playoffs to national championships, Behrens enters the season with a team ranked eighth in the PSAC preseason polls and opens their season this Thursday, September 4, against Pace University. With only two weeks under their belt, the team is gearing up and has a good feeling about opening the season with a win.

Interview with Head Coach Shelly Behrens

After training for a couple weeks now, what is your outlook on this roster and how have they been able to develop chemistry so far?

"I think it is better than I thought it would be. We are never that team that wants to do all of this side stuff to get to know each other, but some things are just happening organically, and I'm loving what I am seeing on the field. A lot of versatility, and that is always a positive."

What is one phrase or motto that you would use to describe this team going into the 2025 season?

"I'll use theirs. Their word is 'grit.' It does describe them, and they came to me with it saying, 'Hey, we really feel strongly about this,' the seniors in particular. And I said, 'Okay, let's go with it.' I just think it describes their work ethic and what they do every day—their daily habits, etc. It's just who we are."

What has been your main focus for preseason training so far?

"Well... what hasn't been the focus, right? We've already had a couple scrimmages; it's just like add water, see where we are. I do think it is about the chemistry and synergy with both the attacking unit and the defensive unit, with the main emphasis being scoring some goals. That is always something to focus on in training, and it's never been neglected, but we're focusing on the execution and how to execute. Focusing on the performance and things that we want to do day in and day out so that we can execute on game day."

What are your expectations for the team going into the 2025 season?

"We look at it more like standards. We don't have expectations for our performance and our play. But it is about our play, what we do, our habits—what we are putting into it together, individually, collectively. And then again just achieving the standards day in and day out."

It's a long season, how do you keep the team motivated and engaged throughout the course of it?

"It's a great season, right? I love our conference because every day you have to show up. Every day you put yourself out there, and you know you're going to be tested, and you find out what you're made of every day. I think we know that we are running a marathon, not a sprint, and I think that focus of less than 60 days to go until our last regular season game isn't a countdown, but a timeline that allows us to focus on the day-in and day-out work. It is all about doing the work and being the person that helps the person on your right and on your left get better."

Looking at the record last year, coming in right below .500. What gives you hope about how this team coming in can perform?

"We were in seven one-goal games, so one of those games can completely change everything, but my focus honestly has been on this year. We've been focusing on the things that Erica and I and our coaching staff and the players have been working really hard on since the spring. Things that we need to do to elevate our performance, our execution, and our day-to-day work for game day. It's simple really, but it's not. I think it's a matter of, where do we want to go? Last year's team was last year's team. Just as a champion team is never defending a championship, for us this is something new. What have we learned and how can we move forward? And nothing can show us that like game day."

The Marauders open their season on September 4 against the Pace University Setters. Pace, who landed second on the NE10 Preseason Coaches' Poll, will welcome the Marauders for their home opener this Thursday.