The ISU women’s soccer team has taken a new approach with a new coaching staff at the helm for the 2008 season.

First-year Head Coach Wendy Dillinger brings a new perspective to the program after spending six years as head coach of Division III Washington University in St. Louis.

“We anticipate an exciting, competitive season and set a new tone for the team and the program,” Dillinger said.

Dillinger brings a hefty resume to the table. She ranks 14th among NCAA Division III active coaches in win percentage with 0.756, after finishing with an overall record of 86-25-8.

The transition to Division I has not been difficult for Dillinger.

“There’s not much of a change between D-1 and D-3 to tell you the truth. Our goal is to create an environment to excel and succeed,” Dillinger said.

Dillinger is not the only new member to the Cyclone coaching staff this year. Joining the staff this year are Assistant Coach Ben Madsen and Associate Head Coach Tim Bennett. Both bring previous coaching experience to the team.

Madsen has been an assistant at the University of South Alabama as well as the University of Alabama. His main job for the team is working with the goalkeepers.

Bennett’s coaching experience at Portland State University, where he guided the Vikings to a Big Sky Conference title, will help put Dillinger’s offensive attack plan into production.

The impact of Dillinger is evident among the players who are more than excited to get the season going.

“With Wendy, Tim and Ben it’s just been a total 180,” said captain Amanda Purple. “They push us harder. It’s more intense. They are making us realize that we need to work for each other as a team.”

Dillinger plans to institute a new form of offense for the team.

“This season, our goal is to play fast, up-tempo offense and get off quick shots,” Dillinger said.

In order to execute this new offensive style, Dillinger said the team needs to be in peak physical condition.

“Fitness is my major focus right now,” Dillinger said. “Some people came in [to training camp] very fit. I think some people weren’t quite expecting what we brought in the last couple of weeks, but we’re getting there. Fitness is definitely improving.”

Elise Reid, who was the Cyclones’ leading scorer last season, agreed with Dillinger.

“We need a lot of work to get into the kind of shape to run Coach’s offense,” Reid said.

Goalkeeper Ann Gleason pointed out that this year’s preseason has been much different than in the past.

“I remember last year we had a week of preseason, but this year it has been three tough weeks,” Gleason said. “[The coaching staff] won’t accept anything less than the best of us. They are pushing us every day, trying to get us better and ready to go.”

With the faster style of play, the offense should be in good shape to light up the scoreboard this season. Besides Reid, the Cyclones also return sophomore Jordan Bishop, who was second to Reid in points last year.

“Last year, I was really just there at the right time, but this season I think I need to be more involved and call for the ball more,” Bishop said. “I love the new style of play that coach brought in because it should allow us to really play aggressive.”

Anchoring the team in net will be Gleason, one of the top goalkeepers in the Big 12 Conference.

Gleason started all 19 games last season and recorded six shut-outs for the Cyclones.

“I had a great year last year, but I want to make decisions faster and see the field better,” Gleason said.

The goalkeeper is the leader of the defense. Because they see the whole field, they are responsible for keeping their teammates informed and telling them where to go and who to cover.

“The leadership thing comes with the role, and I have to help my teammates out the best that I can,” Gleason said.

Also returning for the Cyclones is Lauren Fader, who will play alongside Purple on defense. Fader, along with junior Casey Bothwell, join Purple as captains this season.

Despite last year’s 8-6-5 record and a spot in the conference tournament, the Cyclones are picked to finish 10th out of the 11 teams in the Big 12.

The team seems to be unfazed by the preseason projections.

“Going in as the underdog, especially with the new coaching staff, has definitely given us the confidence to go out there every game and put together a full 90 [minutes],” Bothwell said. “We’ll have off days, we’ll have good days, we’ll have great days. But when it comes down to it I think we just have to put in a full 90 and play as a team and the wins will come.”

The Cyclones open the regular season on Aug. 29, on the road against Illinois.