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Matt Potter

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Chat with Washington State soccer head coach Matt Potter on Friday, Aug. 6, at 1 p.m.

Moderator: Hello Cougar fans and thank you for visiting WSUCougars.com and this afternoon's chat with Washington State Head Soccer Coach Matt Potter. The Cougars begin their quest for a third straight NCAA postseason berth two weeks from today, vs. Florida State, at Lower Soccer Field on the WSU campus. Matt, thank you for joining us today.

Matt Potter: Thank you for the opportunity to be here. We have just started practicing in preparation for the season. I look forward to answering your questions.

Reggie (Tacoma): Coach, Can you inform fans of what Graeme Abel will bring to the coaching staff and the WSU soccer program? He seems to have an excellent coaching resume.

Matt Potter: Reggie, the addition of Graeme, first and foremost, adds another quality character and professional to our staff. With his resume and background he compliments what is already a very strong and well-rounded staff. His experiences both personally and professionally will be a great resource and serve as a role model to our student-athletes as they develop in their time here at WSU.

Reggie (Tacoma): Coach, With the graduation of All-Pac-10 performers Kiersten Dallstream and Carly Dobratz, what Cougar players are you expecting to take more of the leadership roles on and off the field this season?

Matt Potter: Kiersten and Carly were just two members of the senior class that left a true mark on our program and the record books. We have always taken the viewpoint that everyone has leadership potential and often talk of our time at WSU being about becoming a better person. With that said, players have waited patiently for an opportunity and already our incoming players are showing potential in this area. I guess to answer your question it may be more by committee rather than an individual.

Daniel (Olympia): First, congratulations on back-to-back postseason appearances! How about another? Coach Potter, what players are you expecting to step-up in a big way this season to replace the senior leadership that graduated from last year's team?

Matt Potter: Daniel, thank you for the comments and please see my previous answer in regards to the senior leadership. As for the season, I couldn't agree more about participating in a third NCAA Tournament. Certainly we have the potential to return and I can promise you both the staff and the players are working hard toward fulfilling that goal.

Reggie (Tacoma): Coach, You have built WSU soccer into one of the best soccer programs on the West Coast. However, what do you think it will take to beat top Pac-10 programs such as UCLA and Stanford and have deep runs into the NCAA tournament? Also, is there a way that fans, alumni, etc. can donate specifically to the WSU soccer program? I know athletic director Bill Moos mentioned in an interviewed that there are future plans to add stadium lighting to the Lower Soccer Field but it would also be nice to see an expanded grand stadium with a press box, concession stands, restrooms, locker rooms for coaches and student-athletes, etc. Thanks for your time and you will see me at some matches this fall.

Matt Potter: Reggie, I appreciate your positive comments about our program and it's nice to see our work is being recognized. We have demonstrated we can compete with schools such as UCLA and Stanford, if we continue to follow the blueprint that has gotten us to this point. As long as we stay focused and true to our core values we will continue to compete not only in the Pac-10 but on a national stage. With the addition of Graeme I believe our staff is as talented as any. Our commitment to recruiting continues to bring positive results. As you mentioned, Mr. Moos has talked of facility upgrades and in soccer we are a program that looks forward to seeing positive changes in our student-athlete and gameday experience off the field, one of these being our stadium. Lights would be the first phase of a stadium renovation project. If you are interested in donating to our program, you can contact the Athletic Foundation at 1-877-IMA-COUG, or donate online at WSUCougars.com.

Moderator: To donate online click HERE and request that your contribution be directed to the soccer program.

(UK): The non conference slate looking challenging! No biscuits on the schedule!

Matt Potter: LOL! No biscuits for sure! Our goal every year is to be a top-tier program and to do that you have to challenge yourself against the best. The Pac-10 schedule speaks for itself with every program capable of competing for an NCAA berth. This year's non-conference schedule definitely follows that of years' past and we look forward to testing ourselves against nationally-acclaimed programs such as Florida State, Texas A&M and challenging home and away games against teams prominent in their respective conferences.

Moderator: Okay, that's all the time we have. Matt, thank you for joining us once again.

Matt Potter: First of all, thank you to Cougar Nation for all of your support. We look forward to representing the school in a positive manner and know we will always compete to the best of our ability. We look forward to seeing some of you in our travels or in Pullman, starting with our home opener, Aug. 20 vs. Florida State. Go Cougs!