Spring Break
The Daily OrangeFH | Bradley says No. 20 Orange aren't focused; closes media acces to players
By Zach Zagger
Posted: 9/7/07, 12:18 AM EST Section: Sports
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Orange head coach Ange Bradley is worried the pressure and hype surrounding this young undefeated team is disrupting their mindset. So, in order to make her players more focused, she has stopped media access to the team indefinitely.
"They weren't having a good day," Bradley said. "And they need to get their focus on themselves and their team."
Syracuse has a two-game homestand this weekend starting with a game against Central Michigan tonight at 7 p.m. on Coyne Field. SU will play again Sunday against Temple at 1 p.m.
SU moved to No. 20 in the STX/NFHCA Division I National Coaches' Poll this week after going undefeated for the first four games of the season. It's the Orange's first appearance in the national rankings since Oct. 26, 2004.
Bradley believes the lack of focus was caused by a combination of players starting classes and the team earning a spot in the poll. She said the national exposure creates a lot of pressure for such a young team. Of the Orange's 24-person roster, 11 are freshmen.
"They got a ranking, and they got 4-0, and they've got a lot of things being thrown at them for the first time," Bradley said. "And I want them to stay focused on working, not reading the newspaper."
The start of classes didn't seem to hinder the squad last week. The Orange was able to earn two road wins, including a comeback victory against Maine after being down 3-0. On Monday, Bradley was happy with her team's ability to handle being both behind and ahead, and come away with victories.
Her attitude was clearly different Wednesday after practice when she announced that, until she decides otherwise, her players would no longer be available for interviews. And she is confident that keeping the players out of the spotlight is the right move for her team.
"I believe everything happens with preparation," Bradley said. "And I didn't think we were having a good week of preparation, and today was an excellent day, and I think we are moving forward and ready to go."
Bradley is happy that people outside her circle recognize the work her team has put forth, but she said she is committed to making several years worth of improvements to Syracuse's program in just one season. Keeping the team from distraction is a crucial part of her strategy.
"I want to get this program going and moving forward, and we have the talent and potential to do it," Bradley said. "I've just got to push them to that level.
"It doesn't matter where you start - it's where you finish. And that's a mindset that they need to learn."
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