Some new and old faces will work to make an impact on Cyclones women's soccer this season.

The team saw some change in leadership with new, yet familiar, coaches taking over the program. Men's soccer Assistant Coach Javier Roman has become the head coach while the men's Head Coach Chris Koloffon and Assistant Coach Fernando Alvarez are assistants for the women. Koloffon will still lead the men with Roman as his assistant as well. With these combined efforts, the coaches are hoping to build the strength and legacy of Cyclones soccer.

Roman is leading the women for the first time, but he knows what it takes to succeed. He played four years of soccer at Lewis University, where he earned his degree, and has coached youths of all ages for the last 30 years. He's ready to take the reins and help this team reach success.

"I'm excited and looking forward to the season. It's going to be fun," Roman said. "We have good players, and we're going to run a lot."

The team is going to be on the move, so they can last 90 minutes easily. "If you can touch the ball and run for that long, no one can touch you," he said. "I'll work them hard, but they'll love it eventually. It takes a lot of sacrifice. They have to be mentally prepared every time they're on the field. But I'll make sure they enjoy it, too. When we compete, you'll see the difference."

Among the returners helping build the program are last year's leading scorer Dyani Calderon (Kennedy); keeper Jazmin Ayala (Reavis); midfielders Guevara Al-Sheikh (Sandburg), Jada Cunningham (Stagg), Mariajose Guzman (Richards), Diana Hernandez (Acero- Major Hector P. Garcia M.D.), Ytati Roca (Oak Forest); defender Rylee Conway (Marist); and forward Ashanti Aguilera (Bogan). They also have a crew of newcomers to help the cause.

One goal for the team is to make the playoffs and go as far as they can into the season, meaning nationals. But Roman also wants his crew to continue their education and earn a degree, all of which are attainable.

"I want to make sure they do well in school and on the field," Roman said. "On the field, we'll be the dark horse. I think we'll be really good and compete for conference and regionals. I never settle for second best."

The Cyclones season and home opener is Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2:30 p.m., against Kishwaukee College.