SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Texas State soccer team held its first practices Thursday in preparation for the program's 20^th season.
 
"The players brought a lot of good energy, good vibes and were ready to work hard and learn. Right now we are trying to get their brains to think as fast as their feet," head coach Kat Conner said. "Overall, everybody is healthy and moving well. I think it has been a good day and now we are looking to add on tomorrow."
 
The Bobcats reported on Wednesday that began with helping the freshmen move into their dorms. The rest of the day consisted of attending meetings and meeting the staff members that will be working with the team. Following a team dinner, the players ended the day with a fitness test.
 
Until the exhibition match on Aug. 11 at Incarnate Word, TXST will be conducting two-a-day practices.
 
A 25-woman roster features 17 returners from last season and eight newcomers. Highlighting the returners are 2017 All-Sun Belt Conference First Team selections Kaylee Davis and Heather Martin and second team pick Jordan Kondikoff. The team welcomes seven freshmen, six of whom are from the Austin area, and Sam Houston State transfer Mackenzie Smith, who will have three years of eligibility remaining.
 
"It was good. Everybody came out ready to work hard and give it their all. That is the most important that I think for the first day," Brown said. "We just have to be more mentally there and focus on what coach is saying every time and building upon every drill she gives us.
 
The Bobcat kickoff the regular season on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. on the road against Louisiana Tech. Texas State plays its first home match of the year two days later against I-35 rival UTSA with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
 
All home matches for the Bobcats are free to attend. Parking for fans will be available at the Speck Street Parking Garage along with limited spaces southwest of the Bobcat Soccer Complex except on Aug. 19 against the Roadrunner. Because of new student move-in day taking place around the complex, fans are recommended to park along Sessoms Drive Lots R18 and R40.
 
For more information on the Texas State soccer team, visit the official website of Texas State Athletics at www.txstatebobcats.com, like on Facebook at Texas State Soccer and follow on Instagram and Twitter at @TxStateSoccer.