Drake men’s soccer coach Sean Holmes does not mind the high expectations the Bulldogs have for the upcoming season. After advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the program’s history.
Drake is ranked 21st in the College Soccer News pre-season poll. Holmes says it’s a new experience to deal with heightened expectations as it’s the first time they’ve been in the pre-season rankings.
Holmes hopes the ranking serves as a motivator rather than getting the team "too cocky." Holmes says the players are thrilled with the ranking after see them on the internet. Holmes says the notoriety that comes with the ranking is good to have on the recruiting trail.
They are in the midst of recruiting right now and he says it’s better to say they are good instead of saying they will be good. Drake was ranked as high as 19th nationally a year ago during a season in which the Bulldogs posted a 13-5-1 mark, the best record in the program’s history.
Holmes says they have a humble, hard working group and they have 16 lettermen returning with 10 starters. He says they have a bit of an underdog mentality. Drake will open the next season on August 27th against seventh rated Indiana.