BEAUMONT, Texas – A little over a week ago, the Lamar University women's soccer team reported back to campus beginning their preparations for the 2020 season. Despite the return to campus, the first few days were focused on COVID-19 screening, education and voluntary workouts. Tuesday was the first official day the NCAA has allowed mandatory workouts.
 
The Cardinals hit the practice fields early Wednesday morning for conditioning workouts and will follow up with an evening session at the LU Soccer Complex.
 
"Our staff is excited to be back on the field with the opportunity to coach and interact with the team," said head coach Steve Holeman. "Given the circumstances, we are very pleased with how the first few days have played out.  Our approach to preseason will be different than years past since our first game is still a month away.  We are grateful for the opportunity to get back to doing what we love and hopeful our season will move forward as planned."
 
Despite the allowable workouts, the Cardinals are adhering to all guidelines regarding COVID-19 and practicing social distancing when applicable.
 
The return to the practice field is just as important for head coach Steve Holeman and his staff as it is the players. Holeman is entering his fifth season at the helm of the Cardinals soccer program and is coming off the Southland Coach of the Year honor after he led LU to a 16-7 overall record while going 10-1 in conference play and saw them go to the NCAA Championships.
 
The Cardinals are slated to kick off the 2020 season on Sunday, Sept. 6 when they welcome the SMU Mustangs to the LU Soccer Complex. The 1 p.m. kick off against SMU is one of three non-conference games for the program (at Rice, Sept 10 and at Houston, Sept. 13). LU opens conference play on Sept. 18 when they welcome Southeastern Louisiana to Beaumont.