University of Georgia Athletics
From The Player's Perspective: Kelli Corless
November 14, 2008 | Soccer
ATHENS, Ga. --- When the conference portion of the 2008 soccer season began, it became clear why sophomore defender Kelli Corless was a vital part of the Georgia squad.
The 2007 SEC Freshman of the Year and First Team All-SEC selection has continued to provide stability at left back into her sophomore season, starting all 14 games in which she appeared. After starting all 24 games last season, Corless is one of only two players, who is at least a sophomore in eligibility, that has started every game in which they’ve played in their careers. Classmate Caroline Simpson is the other.
Corless’ addition at left back stabilized the Bulldog defense and added another element to the Georgia offense. While her defensive prowess is undoubtedly her strongest asset, Corless’ strength as a free kick and corner kick specialist has set her apart. Her ability to serve into threatening areas near net makes Georgia a dangerous team in set piece situations.
So as Corless and her teammates prepare for Georgia’s NCAA first round contest against James Madison, she reflects on a 2008 season that has seen Georgia (11-10-1, 7-3-1 SEC) win nine of its 14 games and allow just 10 goals since her return to the starting lineup.
What have you learned most about yourself and your team this season?
“Our team has overcome a lot this season, and it has been a true test of our strength, both individually and collectively, and our cohesiveness. From when things weren’t going our way to winning big games, we have supported one another and really have become a much closer team. To me, this season has been about us doing everything together as a team. There is so much love and commitment for one another, which has really carried us through this season and has gotten us to where we are today.”
How gratifying has this season been for you and your team?
“I am so proud of what our team has been able to accomplish thus far. We essentially have turned our season around and have found ways to win. We play for one another out there, and that’s what has driven our team. It’s not over yet, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament coming up.”
What has been the best part of the 2008 season thus far and why?
“I’d have to say beating Florida 3-0 in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament at Orange Beach. We were playing our best soccer, having fun and proving ourselves against a high quality team. The way we competed is definitely going to be our new standard for the upcoming tournament.”
What were your emotions during the selection show Monday night?
“I don’t think it really hit me that we are playing for a National Championship until I saw our team’s name announced. Of course there were plenty of nerves, and I am pumped about our game against James Madison. It’s very humbling, knowing that we are one of the top 64 teams in the nation left to compete.”
When you saw Georgia’s name in the bracket, what were your initial thoughts
and reactions?
“My initial thoughts were, Can we go play now?’ It was also a great feeling knowing that everything we have put into this team and program this past season has been rewarded by getting this bid into the tournament.”
How has this year’s run into the NCAA Tournament been different than last
year’s?
“I think that our experience in the tournament last year is going to help us out this year. We now know what to expect and what it takes to win games this far in the season. Ever since our loss against Duke last year in the second round, we have been anxiously awaiting for this time of the season to have another run at it. Our hunger and determination to get past the second round and further are our driving forces leading into the tournament.”
The 2007 SEC Freshman of the Year and First Team All-SEC selection has continued to provide stability at left back into her sophomore season, starting all 14 games in which she appeared. After starting all 24 games last season, Corless is one of only two players, who is at least a sophomore in eligibility, that has started every game in which they’ve played in their careers. Classmate Caroline Simpson is the other.
Corless’ addition at left back stabilized the Bulldog defense and added another element to the Georgia offense. While her defensive prowess is undoubtedly her strongest asset, Corless’ strength as a free kick and corner kick specialist has set her apart. Her ability to serve into threatening areas near net makes Georgia a dangerous team in set piece situations.
So as Corless and her teammates prepare for Georgia’s NCAA first round contest against James Madison, she reflects on a 2008 season that has seen Georgia (11-10-1, 7-3-1 SEC) win nine of its 14 games and allow just 10 goals since her return to the starting lineup.
What have you learned most about yourself and your team this season?
“Our team has overcome a lot this season, and it has been a true test of our strength, both individually and collectively, and our cohesiveness. From when things weren’t going our way to winning big games, we have supported one another and really have become a much closer team. To me, this season has been about us doing everything together as a team. There is so much love and commitment for one another, which has really carried us through this season and has gotten us to where we are today.”
How gratifying has this season been for you and your team?
“I am so proud of what our team has been able to accomplish thus far. We essentially have turned our season around and have found ways to win. We play for one another out there, and that’s what has driven our team. It’s not over yet, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament coming up.”
What has been the best part of the 2008 season thus far and why?
“I’d have to say beating Florida 3-0 in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament at Orange Beach. We were playing our best soccer, having fun and proving ourselves against a high quality team. The way we competed is definitely going to be our new standard for the upcoming tournament.”
What were your emotions during the selection show Monday night?
“I don’t think it really hit me that we are playing for a National Championship until I saw our team’s name announced. Of course there were plenty of nerves, and I am pumped about our game against James Madison. It’s very humbling, knowing that we are one of the top 64 teams in the nation left to compete.”
When you saw Georgia’s name in the bracket, what were your initial thoughts
and reactions?
“My initial thoughts were, Can we go play now?’ It was also a great feeling knowing that everything we have put into this team and program this past season has been rewarded by getting this bid into the tournament.”
How has this year’s run into the NCAA Tournament been different than last
year’s?
“I think that our experience in the tournament last year is going to help us out this year. We now know what to expect and what it takes to win games this far in the season. Ever since our loss against Duke last year in the second round, we have been anxiously awaiting for this time of the season to have another run at it. Our hunger and determination to get past the second round and further are our driving forces leading into the tournament.”
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