Eastern Florida State College Women’s Soccer Banquet Kicks Off National Tournament

By  //  November 16, 2015

games begin monday at EFSC soccer complex

The 2014 NJCAA Division I Women's National Championship Soccer Tournament kicked off Sunday night with the welcome at Eastern Florida State College's King Center for the Performing Arts and the banquet at the Titan Field House. (Eastern Florida image)
The 2014 NJCAA Division I Women’s National Championship Soccer Tournament kicked off Sunday night with the welcome at Eastern Florida State College’s King Center for the Performing Arts and the banquet at the Titan Field House. (Eastern Florida image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — The 2015 NJCAA Division I Women’s National Championship Soccer Tournament kicked off Sunday night with the welcome at Eastern Florida State College’s King Center for the Performing Arts and the banquet at the Titan Field House.

All 12 of the tournament teams were represented along with family, friends and members of the college and local community.

In welcoming the attendees, Eastern Florida Associate Vice President of Athletics and head women’s soccer coach Jeff Carr said “the 2015 NJCAA Division I Women’s National Soccer Tournament will showcase you as some of the best intercollegiate athletes and coaches in the nation.

“Twelve teams will decide the championship and with it the ultimate reward for the players, coaches and their families who have given so much to the sport.

“But no matter who wins, every player here is a champion and you deserve our applause.”

The tournament is taking place on the state-of-the-art soccer field and complex on Eastern Florida’s Melbourne campus that includes seating for 1,500 spectators, a press box and a practice field.

Jeff Carr
Jeff Carr

“We are proud that the games will be played at our Titan Soccer Complex that also is home to professional soccer, with Orlando City Soccer’s USL team playing at least 14 games here starting in spring,” Carr said.

Rusty Buchanan of the Space Coast Sports Commission, which puts on the tournament with Eastern Florida, also addressed the teams.

Rusty Buchanan
Rusty Buchanan

“Take pride in what you do,” said Buchanan.

“If you put your name on it, take pride in it. If you do that you will be successful.”

The evening’s keynote speaker was Eckerd College (Florida) head coach, former U.S. Women’s National Team member and NCAA Division I all-time leading goal scorer Danielle Fotopoulos.

Fotopoulos shared her method for setting and reaching goals: Knowing your goals, writing them down, sharing them and doing the work necessary to accomplish them.

Danielle Fotopoulos
Danielle Fotopoulos

“Just really take every single moment that you are getting to do right now and enjoy it,” she said. “Just really enjoy it, embrace it. It is helping you become a powerful woman, a strong woman.

“You’re going to run programs, you are going to run companies . . . because of the things you are learning now. I can’t express what an experience that is.”

The tournament schedule is:

Monday
10 a.m. – Schoolcraft vs. Butler
12:30 p.m. – Laramie vs. Iowa Central
3 p.m. – Moraine Valley vs. Tyler
5:30 p.m. – Spartanburg Methodist vs. Eastern Florida

Tuesday
10 a.m. -Schoolcraft vs. Darton
12:30 p.m. – Laramie vs. Lewis & Clark
3 p.m. – Moraine Valley vs. Monroe
5:30 p.m. – Spartanburg Methodist vs. Pima

Wednesday
10 a.m. – Darton vs. Butler
12:30 p.m. – Lewis & Clark vs. Iowa Central
3 p.m. – Monroe vs. Tyler
5:30 p.m. – Pima vs. Eastern Florida

Friday
5 p.m. – Semi-Finals Highest Remaining Seed vs. Lowest Remaining Seed
8 p.m. – Semi-Finals Second Highest Remaining Seed vs. Second Lowest Remaining Seed

Saturday
7 p.m. – Championship (Semi-Final Winners)

Tournament admission prices are: Tournament pass all matches: Adult: $35, students: $15; Individual match admission: adult: $10, students: $7; Children 5 and under, free. College students must present school ID.

Admission is free for Eastern Florida faculty, staff and students with Eastern Florida ID. Concessions and restrooms are on site as is parking.

NJCAA Tournament banquet speaker Danielle Fotopoulos. The 2014 NJCAA Division I Women's National Championship Soccer Tournament kicked off Sunday night with the welcome at Eastern Florida State College's King Center for the Performing Arts and the banquet at the Titan Field House. (Eastern Florida image)
NJCAA Tournament banquet speaker Danielle Fotopoulos. The 2014 NJCAA Division I Women’s National Championship Soccer Tournament kicked off Sunday night with the welcome at Eastern Florida State College’s King Center for the Performing Arts and the banquet at the Titan Field House. (Eastern Florida image)