A typical afternoon practice is anything but typical when Erin Hartmann and Katie Klain, captains of the women’s soccer team, are on the field. The ladies are wearing purple and black warm-up suits, getting the team pumped up for a practice scrimmage game.

“I think a lot of people are going to be surprised, especially when we start putting up wins as a team,’’ said Klain, a physiology major. “Getting the ball downfield is a big part of our offense because we have so much talent this year.’’

The ladies are very proud of how the team has come together to improve both offense and defense. No team depends upon individual stars, according to Klain and Hartmann, fast play and quick thinking require concentration and teamwork, especially on defense.

“It pleases me to see that everyone on the team has come together for the purpose of improving our record, they know anything can happen when we are focused,’’ said Hartmann, a kinesiology major.

“Katie and I try to be as consistent as possible week in and week out,’’ she added. “I have a lot of respect for my teammates and in return they expect us to be out there on the field each week with them in battle with hopes of winning the game.’’

Hartmann and Klain credit the close relationship they have developed with their coach, Jack Hyde, for putting the team on the path to success.

“Coach doesn’t put his players in a position to lose. He’s always telling us that sports is about walking away knowing you gave your absolute best on any given day,’’ Hartmann said.

“He pushes us to the limit. I had to give everything I had because he’s experienced and knows soccer, and luckily, we could fight hard and stay in contention. This is the only way we could win and I’m very proud of it,’’ added Klain.

“Both Katie and Erin are so determined, they are intelligent players,’’ Hyde said. “They worked hard in the offseason and they came back ready to win.’’

“They don’t talk about it much, but the toughness you see. That’s what molded them. Both of them are kind of like me, they don’t back off. The two of them together brings great leadership to this squad,’’ Hyde added.

It’s the same approach Hartmann and Klain have taken to lead their team

“To be honest with you, this is beyond my wildest dreams,’’ Klain said. “I never thought I could do something like this. Something that could really affect my teammates lives. This is wisdom undeniably hard earned to gain the respect of my fellow teammates and coaches.

“I’m passionate about soccer,’’ Hartmann said. “But it’s not about soccer, it is about being important to my teammates, who depends on us to be positive and responsible people to lead our team.’’

As Hartmann and Klain gathered their gear and prepared to leave, one of their teammates, forward Marieke Blazeski stopped to give them some love, hugging them both.

“They make sure everyone is ready to go, and they both are really good and so poised. The way they present themselves on and off the field is so incredible,’’ Blazeski said. “It’s unbelievable how they stay on top of things, but I’m amazed at how well they keep the team focused during practice and the games.’’

Not to anyone who knows them.

Klain and Hartmann were leaders in the making as young girls, they both got their start playing little league soccer.

“I played soccer as a kid, and I was able to speak to people and give them pointers on their game and it helped me a lot,” Hartmann said.

“Katie was a transfer student last year and she has this ability to pick up things fast. She is an amazing player always sacrificing her body for a win and she knows how to keep her teammates into the game,’’ she added.

Hartmann and Klain said that they have developed a friendship with their fellow teammates. They hang out, watch movies and play heated games of monopoly.

“A lot of people we thought were shy, were very competitive,’’ Katie said. That includes her, but she knows when to drop her game face and have fun.

“I am very comfortable in this environment because we all have a close relationship and hang out on a regular basis,’’ Blazeski said. “ I’m happy coming to practice because Katie and Erin are like sisters to me.’’

Hartmann and Klain are expecting more success from their veteran and rookie players this season.

“I’m confident that once the tournament starts, the veteran players will step forward and respond. Jack is a no-nonsense coach and a good motivator, he will get everybody up to their game,’’ Hartmann said.

“We have young players like, Kathryn Green, Brandy Amendares, and Chelsea Price, who have shown greater flexibility when going forward, but they have to keep that up as the season goes on,’’ Klain said.

The ladies are ready to move forward, having proved their doubters wrong thus far, the Gators will soon set about trying to get to the championship.

“Our team won 12 games last year, which made the year even better. I still think there’s things to improve and get better at---if we want to at least make it to the play off,’’ Klain said.

“Last year we proved a lot of people wrong, we were faced with a possible closure of the whole sport program and we came out on top with a 12-8 record. I definitely want to beat teams we couldn’t beat before and maybe even have a better record,’’ said Hartmann.

Gray clouds hovered over a darkening blue sky. A cold chill was in the air and most students on campus scurried for cover. The women’s soccer players stayed. They stayed because that’s what the Gators who came before them would have done. They stayed because Hartmann and Klain, through sickness and health, stayed for them.