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Men's Soccer

Kinney, Collins Named Men's Soccer Captains

ELON, N.C. -- Rising seniors Steven Kinney (Norcross, Ga.) and Clint Collins (Marietta, Ga.) have been announced as the team captains of the Elon Phoenix men's soccer team for the fall. 

Kinney, a First Team All-Southern Conference selection the past two seasons, is a captain for the third straight season. Collins, who has also been an All-Southern Conference selection, is a captain for the first time at Elon.
 
"These two have been very important to our program over the past few years," stated Elon head coach Darren Powell. "They represent the team both on the field and in the classroom as true student athletes. We hope they can continue to demonstrate the good leadership skills shown with the team in the spring. They will also help make the transition for our incoming class from high school to college run very smoothly. We are looking forward to preseason camp in August when we have all our players return.”
 
We had chance to talk with both players about the upcoming season and what it means to be captain of the Phoenix men’s soccer team.
 
With Steven Kinney;
 
As a third year team captain what are the your goals for the Fall 2009?
My goals for the fall are to help lead the team to its first ever NCAA Tournament berth through winning the Southern Conference tournament, or through an at large bid.

What does it mean to the captain of this Elon squad?
Being a captain of such a talented squad is the highest honor a player can receive.  As a captain of this team it means holding myself and my teammates to the highest standards, day in and day out, to help us achieve the goals we have put forth.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Elon?
I enjoy the opportunity to be play with highly talented players and the electrifying atmosphere created by fans from the university, as well as the surrounding community.

With the season fast approaching how are you preparing for the season?
In preparation for the fall season, I will be playing with the Carolina Dynamo to improve my skills and harness the necessary fitness levels to compete at the highest levels demanded from me.

What is your best advice for all the returning players?
This team cannot compete at the levels we are trying to obtain without the dedication and efforts given from each individual player.  Each player is a piece of the puzzle and without all the pieces configured perfectly together, the picture can never be completed.  Strive for excellence, day in and day out, and reaching the goals we set forth will be at our fingertips.
 
With Clint Collins;
 
What does it mean to be named captain of this Elon team?
It is a honor captain of the 2009 Elon men's soccer team.  I think every player would agree that it is a special feeling to lead his team onto the field, and to have this privilege my senior year is something I've always dreamed of.

What has been your most memorable experience to date at Elon?
Winning the Southern Conference during the 2008 season has been the highlight of my soccer career so far, and lifting the trophy for Elon men's soccer after three seasons was something I'll never forget.

What is your best advice to the incoming Freshman class?
To the incoming freshman soccer class, I would say that it goes by so fast, so don't let a single moment pass you by.  You'll make some of the best memories of your life during your time here.

How are you preparing for the upcoming season?
I am playing for the Carolina Dynamo PDL team this summer to prepare for the upcoming season.  I hope to arrive in August fitter, stronger, and hungrier than ever to help take Elon men's soccer to its full potential.

What are the team goals for the upcoming season?
Our team goals for the upcoming season are to retain the Southern Conference regular season title and to earn a berth in the NCAA tournament.  In the classroom, we hope to build upon an excellent academic year and once again earn above a 3.0 team GPA.

-- ELON --
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