Katy Taylor's Spring Journal

The California native, who made 16 starts during the 2009 season, recorded two goals during the fall from her defender position. Taylor picked up Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week accolades after leading a defense that held No. 15 Texas to just seven shot attempts for the entire match, including only three in the second half.

What are your goals for this upcoming season?
"I want to be consistent in my areas and be a better leader for our team. As a team, we want to win a Mountain West Conference Championship."

How has the spring season been?
"This has been a very good spring for us. As a team, we didn't like how last year went and are determined to change that. Everyone has put in extra time this spring to improve in all different areas and working really hard. It has really shown. Even our fitness has reached levels that it has never been at before."

What do you expect out of the team this season?
"I expect a lot of great things from this team this season. We have been working so hard this spring and I have seen so many things change. Not just technique wise, but also in our attitudes. This year, we won't let adversity stop us in any way. Also, we will always finish what we started. We have several freshmen coming in that will need to get on the same page, so that they understand where we want to go, which is a conference title and an NCAA Tournament berth."

What do you like to do for fun outside of soccer?
"Outside of soccer, I like to go to the movies. I love to bake and cook as well. My roommates hate me for that because I am always baking. Probably, my biggest passion is football. Anything to do with football, I am doing it. For example, I played in a powder puff game a few weeks ago and I also just recorded the NFL draft."

You are an avid football fan, what position would you play and why?
"Well, it would be a toss up between wide receiver and safety. I would probably play wide receiver because I love the different routes they run. I'm pretty good at catching the ball as well. I could also be a safety because I am so defensive minded. I would be able to see the whole field, plus I would still be able to catch the ball when I pick it and take it to the house."

Relax Station in the BLUU

Yesterday in the BLUU (student center) there was a relax station for students as they prepare for finals week. On the first floor there was a medicure and pedicure station that seemed to be a student favorite with a crowd of over 50 girls taking advantage of the free station. On the second floor there was an oxygen bar that also seemed to be pretty popular, in addition, there was also a massage station that seemed to be worth the wait. The relax station was a success and a lot of students took advantage of the free activities, giving them a break from studying for finals.

Soccer Team Honored at All-Sports Banquet

The soccer program was awarded the Hal Harbuck Community Service Award Monday night at the All-Sports Banquet. This award is presented annually to a person or group who demonstrates going above and beyond the call of duty in the field of community service award. The team's clinic "Kicks for Cook" was the service that won the girls recognition, however, it was all of the voluntary hours on the weekends that won the girls the award. All of the girls went through special training so that they can become volunteers and work at the hospital on the weekends.

Congrats girls on winning the Hall Harbuck Community Service Award!!

Congrats to Laurie Topham

We would like to send out a special congratulations to Laurie Topham for receiving the Carolyn Dixon Award last night at the All Sports Banquet . Mrs. Topham is the creator of the Mentor Luncheon that the soccer team is involved in every spring semester. She has put this event on for the girls every year since 2002 and this past year has started the same event for the TCU Volleyball team. We would like to say thank you for everything she does for our program and congratulations on the special award highlighting everything she does for TCU women's athletics. 

Frogs in the NFL Draft

Daryl Washington and Marshall Newhouse were both selected in the 2010 NFL Draft this past weekend. Washington was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2nd round with the 47th pick; while Newhouse was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 5th round with the 169th pick. 

Three more Frogs were signed as free agents including: deep snapper Clint Gresham, corner back Rafael Priest, and offensive lineman Nic Richmond. Both Gresham and Priest were signed with the defending Super Bowl Champions, New Orleans Saints; while Richmond was signed with the San Diego Chargers. 

In his 9 seasons at TCU Coach Gary Patterson now has 47 former players who have signed NFL contracts during his tenure. 

Final Spring Game

We finished our spring season this past saturday at home versus UNT. The field was in perfect condition with a fresh paint job and clean cut; the fieldhouse construction was in the background gaining momentum for all to see. Under Saturday night lights you could not ask for a better setting or game atmosphere the stands were full and the girls put on a show of offensive power. Kim Castleberry continued her scoring ways with a goal that followed Chelsea Cody's shot that almost ripped through the net. Kira Michelson-Bartlett looked impressive in the goal with a multiple save game and did not concede any goals. We can not wait until the fall season now, the first home game is against Texas Southern on Sunday August 22nd at 1PM. 

Jerry Hughes goes in RD 1 Pick 31 in NFL Draft

Congrats to Jerry Hughes for being selected in the 2010 NFL Draft 1st Round last night. Jerry was selected with the 31st pick by the Indianapolis Colts. This is the 22nd player under Coach Patterson's tenure at TCU to be drafted. Hughes now joins a proud list of Horned Frogs that were selected in the first round. A native of Sugar Land, Texas Jerry had never played defense before arriving at TCU and during his time here he 2-time team MVP, Lott Trophy winner, Ted Hendricks Award winner, and just the second 2-time consensus All-American in TCU history. 

TCU's First-Round Draft Choices
1936 - Jimmy Lawrence, WB
1937 - Sam Baugh, QB
1939 - Ki Aldrich, C
1939 - I.B. Hale, T
1939 - Davey O'Brien, QB
1958 - Jim Shofner, DB
1960 - Jack Spikes, FB
1961 - Bob Lilly, DT
1970 - Norm Bulaich, RB
1984 - Allanda Smith, DB
2001 - LaDainian Tomlinson, RB
2010 - Jerry Hughes, DE