The College of Wooster men's soccer team is looking to break through a crowded North Coast Athletic Conference field, and 2021 could be that year.
The Scots have always seemed to be on the verge of that breakout just like in their last full season in 2019 where they at one point were 7-7 overall and 3-2 in the NCAC. However, they lost their last four games of the year and did not make the conference tournament.
The team has had plenty of time to think about that and now has a plethora of senior leadership to go along with it. This year's roster is loaded with 12 seniors.
Five of last year's seven seniors elected to come back for one more go. They are Wilson Freije, Dani Halbing, Max Hill, BJ Tally and Hamilton Schattgen.
"I'm excited for them to have this experience," Zidron said. "They made a commitment to come back, and I think they feel a healthy responsibility which is really good."
Zidron and assistant coach Devyn Spielvogel have always cultivated a certain culture within the team. The phrase 'we are because of each other' is one that resonates with this squad, especially with the senior group.
"We can't be the best we can be unless we're helping each other out and unless we're vulnerable with each other to create that space," Zidron said. "We're in it together, and they've bought into that which has been pretty fun to watch."
Also joining the senior ranks this year include playmakers Bennett Anderson and Jack Giloth. Anderson tallied 11 points in Wooster's last full season with four goals and three assists, which was third best on the team.
Another senior, Caleb King, is expected to be a leader on the defensive end.
"I think we're going to be competitive, and we're confident that will translate to continued growth and excellence," Zidron said.
The spring was optimistic having gone 1-1-1 in exhibition games, which included a notable 3-0 win over Wabash College. Then first-years Jason Stewart and Kyle Stringer scored all the goals in the contest, and their contribution on the offensive end will be something to watch for in 2021.
"The commitment from the first years to be contributors was really good," Zidron said. "But I think the overall team ethos and culture was really positive, and that resulted in the results being what they were."
The NCAC Preseason Poll recently came out, and the Scots were slotted seventh. Five-time defending NCAC champion Kenyon College received the most votes to top the poll.
Ohio Wesleyan University, Wabash and Denison University followed. Then DePauw University, Oberlin College and Wooster were less than 10 points between one another.
"We're in a place where taking the next step is realistic and being in the top four is realistic, but it's a log jam up there," Zidron said. "It's going to be competitive; it's going be fun, and I'm looking forward to taking the next step, and I think the guys are in a mental place where they're expecting this as well."
Zidron also emphasized the importance of being consistent and present in the moment.
"We're thankful to be playing again, thankful to be together and that the opportunity is in front of us to go compete and celebrate each other," Zidron said.
The Scots begin their season Sept. 1 at Baldwin Wallace University. They open NCAC play during Black & Gold Weekend when they host Wabash on Sept. 25.