Nov. 8, 2001

Q.
Coach Collins, I am a high school soccer player, and I know to become a better player you have to practice. How do you keep the UK soccer team in shape during the off-season?

A.
Thanks for the question. We are fortunate at UK to have a great strength and conditioning coach in Heidi Robertson. She develops an individual program for all of our players that includes strength, speed, agility, coordination and flexibility work. We do a lot of foot work exercises, stretching and fitness with the ball.

Q.
What was the most important victory in your UK coaching career to date: the 1995 win over IU in Bloomington, the first Mid-American Conference tournament title in 1999 or the first NCAA victory against Saint Louis in 2000?

A.
That’s a great question. All represented milestones in the program’s history and each helped put the program on the national map so they are all equally important.

Q.
In 1999, the team had a host of seniors to provide leadership in a variety of ways. In what ways are the younger players emerging as leaders, and what do you as the head coach do to facilitate the emergence of definitive team leaders?

A.
This year we added 13 new players to the roster. Some were from high school and some transferred from other colleges. It has taken time for the players to get to know each other. Now that the players are more comfortable with one another, leadership qualities are starting to emerge in all the players. They can lead by example with work ethic and also by vocal leadership. As a coach, I try to create an environment where leadership is encouraged regardless of age.

Q.
How is Jamal Shteiwi doing?

A.
Jamal is doing great. In three games this season he has three assists. He got one against No. 13 Ohio State and two against Georgetown College. He is looking good, and we expect great things from him.