Communication is Language of Leadership: CMU Soccer, Leisel Toth

Central Michigan Soccer is finally becoming a Mid-American Conference (MAC) contender; a turn around from the program’s traditional reputation, and Head Coach Tom Anagnost highly attributes this vast change to one player.

No, she is not a senior looking to finish her college career on a high note, striving to make it her year. This girl only has one year under her belt, but she isn’t letting her youth keep her quiet on the field.

Sophomore defender, Liesel Toth made her collegiate soccer debut last fall, starting all 20 matches on a defense that broke the school record of 10 shutouts and only allowed 13 goals. The 2008 squad finished second in the MAC, the first time in program history.

Coincidence? Anagnost doesn’t think so.  The 2009 season is looking just as promising.

“She’s one of the better players that has great coverage on our opponents,” Anagnost says.

After all, offense isn’t the only thing that wins games.

Anagnost explained, “She is the one player that has changed this program around.  She wants that role.” Toth was named Second Team All-MAC and selected for MAC All-Freshman last season, and is only getting better.

One improvement of hers may be the reason for this programs turn around.

“Compared to her freshman year, she communicates much better on the field,” says Anagost.

Communication among players has been a major factor in the team’s improvement.

As a freshman, Toth tried to lead by example.

“I was not much of a communicator on or off the field. Over the summer, I realized the importance of communication, especially on the field,” Toth confessed.

Wanting to be able to organize the back line through effective communication, Toth returned from summer vacation executing the plan. Her communication amongst her teammates has paid off, as the team holds the top spot in the MAC.

Communication keeps the team on the same page: By telling a girl where she should run or making her teammates aware of the opponents around, makes all the difference.

The art of sports is not all physical.  The mental aspect is just as important, and Toth was able to recognize
that with help from Anagnost.

The Rochester, New York recruit may be keeping her defense in line, but she has also made a splash offensively.

“She actually scored twice this year,” Anagnost said laughingly.

Toth put points on the board during the IPFW game and in the Buffalo game, squeaking it by the keeper with a long shot of 30 yards out.

“Never settle for average. You always want to go above and beyond what you are set out to do,” Toth explains.

Anagnost will see to that.