TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (August 16, 2022) - Success has become a standard in the Salt Lake Community College Women's Soccer program, which is a very good thing.
 
The Bruins have become a Scenic West Athletic Conference juggernaut in recent seasons, earning multiple Region 18 titles and high finishes in the NJCAA tournament. Turning to the 2022 season, SLCC is now prepared to take its next step forward – striving to win an NJCAA title.
 
"Our primary goal is to develop out identity as a team," she said. "We really look to establish who we are, who we want to be, and how we want to play when we have the football and when we don't."
 
Part of withstanding a long season full of challenges with national contenders includes having the proper training, both mentally and physically. The focus on mental toughness has been a particular focus, Ulrich noted.
 
"The biggest fundamental for our players is their mentalities," he said. "As a staff, we've spoken about this every single day and challenged our players to grow their grit and competitiveness and develop a growth mindset."
 
With Salt Lake opening its season this week in Florida, the Bruins will take to the field in advance of school starting in the next few weeks. As the countdown to classroom time draws closer, Ulrich stated the program's focus on academic skills will also grow more acute.
 
"We will start talking more about academic preparedness and success in the week leading up to classes starting," she said. "Then we'll provide a lot of support in their first few weeks of becoming a college student."
 
Salt Lake will open its season on Thursday with a match against Daytona State. The Bruins will then proceed to play against No. 1 Eastern Florida, who finished the 2021 season ranked at No. 2 in the NJCAA polls. SLCC will open Scenic West play on September 1 against Snow College.
 
Ulrich said her outlook for the 2022 season is very positive.
 
"We're really excited for the potential of this group," she said. "We have a strong group of returning players, spring transfers, and a very talented incoming class that are contributing immediately. Last year was a little bit hectic with the staff change just before season; I feel like we are a lot more cohesive and clear this preseason. I think we could see big things from this group if we keep on the path we've started so far."