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THOMASVILLE — Thomas University’s soccer teams are beginning preparations for the 2017 season this week.

Women’s coach Julie Orlowski led TU into preseason camp on Tuesday afternoon. The Night Hawks have high expectations following a third-place finish in The Sun Conference (TSC), and return three-fourths of their roster from a season ago.

TU’s women open camp with 25 student-athletes, including six newcomers, but Orlowski welcomes a veteran unit, as 14 returnees started multiple matches a year ago, including 10 that started eight or more. 17 of 18 returners contributed significant minutes for the Night Hawks last season. Orlowski’s program also welcomes back six of seven players voted all-conference in 2016, including two first-team members.

The coaching staff also returns intact, as Orlowski is joined for a second-straight campaign by athletic assistant Adrianna Johnson. Johnson joined the coaching staff following an exceptional three-year playing career as a defender with the Night Hawks, which culminated in a second team All-TSC nod in 2015. 

Thomas plays three opponents that reached last season’s NAIA national championship second round. The Night Hawks make a short trip east on Highway 84 to face NCAA Division II member Valdosta State in an exhibition on Aug. 13 before kicking off the regular season at Columbia (S.C.) on Aug. 19. 

Men’s head coach Ricky Zambrano welcomes a talented squad when he starts his 12th season on campus today.

10 players who started at least one game a year ago – and 19 that contributed significant minutes – are expected to greet 23 newcomers and Zambrano this season. 41 Night Hawks are expected in camp Wednesday with another 24 reporting Aug. 10.

“We are very happy to welcome our newest Night Hawks,” Zambrano said. “They will all be excellent additions to the University community.”

Zambrano believes his staff and Night Hawk players are on target for big things after winning The Sun Conference title and reaching the NAIA national championship’s second round in 2016. TU will eyes its fourth national championship appearance in the last five seasons.

Zambrano also welcomes five fresh faces to the program’s coaching staff. Codi Crippen serves as Zambrano’s top assistant, bringing a wealth of experience to Thomasville as a coach and former player, most notably helping his alma mater Rio Grande (Ohio) to a national runner-up appearance in 2008. Jorge Herranz, Joey Lopez and Eamonn Moore join the squad as athletic assistants, while Eddie Foy and Gui Henrique, entering his second season, serve as volunteer assistants. 

TU’s men play four games against squads that reached the national championship last season, starting with the Aug. 26 season opener against Bryan (Tenn.) at TU Soccer Complex.