MARSHALL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State University head soccer coach Amy Olson will welcome 20 student-athletes on campus for the start of fall camp on Aug.15. The Mustangs will open camp with two-a-day practices starting on Aug. 16-20. Fall camp will include the two-a-day practices along with team meetings throughout the week until classes begin on Aug. 23. Morning practices will be held from 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. and the afternoon session begins at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude at 8:30 p.m.

Entering her third season at the helm of the soccer squad, Olson returns 14 letter-winners from the 2009 roster. The Mustangs will welcome six incoming freshman to the 2010 roster when camp opens. Olson is looking forward to the start of the 2010 season.

"I am very excited about this upcoming season," said Olson. "We have 10 returning starters and a very promising incoming class. Our team worked really hard this off-season and I look forward to seeing that work put into practice this fall," added Olson. 

SMSU returns senior defender Jenna Perske (5-7, Sartell, Minn.) who picked up All-NSIC Honorable Mention honors in 2009. Perske is the lone Mustang to earn All-NSIC honors last season. The senior defender started all 16 games for the Mustangs, recording three shots on goal. Courtney McCarthy (F, 6-1, Jr., Sioux City, Iowa) led the Mustangs on the offensive side of the pitch in 2009. McCarthy started 14 out of 16 games recording two goals and three assists. The junior recorded one game-winning goal and fired 11 shots on goal.

The SMSU soccer team finished the 2009 season with a 2-14, 2-11 NSIC record. The Mustangs ended the season in 12th place in the final conference standings.

SMSU will start the 2010 season with a four-game home stand starting on Sept. 4 in a non-conference match-up with Colorado-Colorado Springs at 7 p.m. The Mustangs will also play Minot State in a non-conference game in Marshall on Sept.15 at 7:30 p.m.