Everything you want to know about the Pilot Women's program

I don't know what Steve Brandon did to get this much out of Garrett at one sitting, but it's pretty amazing.
Maybe he has some compromising photos, or maybe they discovered the wonders of Pliny the Elder together, But it's definitely worth a read.
It answers all your questions about the roster for the weekend, playing time, whether Sophie will play, what import Garrett places on the weekend, comments from the other coaches, and a whole lot more.


You can even find out what teams we will play two years from now.

Definitely worth the read.


Portland Tribune

Strong indication for Garrett that starting line up will be unchanged but I think we can expect to see most all of the squad feature at some point in the two games.

Purplegeezer wrote:I don't know what Steve Brandon did to get this much out of Garrett at one sitting, but it's pretty amazing.

Maybe it has to do with who is interviewing him? Bo Herzog has been getting a bit better with his coverage in the Oregonian, but still... I'm sure Garrett enjoyed talking to someone who asked good, insightful questions and at least seems to know a bit about soccer.

I thought it was a bit strange that the Oregonian had no post game report (or at least one I could find online) after the game... I mean one would thing UP vs. UO would be noteworthy in Oregon... Apparently not.

Yeah, the only mention was in their "In the News" section, and it was just a short paragraph.

If you didn't know to look there, you would have never found it. I only did because I was reading the hard copy.

That's when you write the Sports Editor and advise him that there are plenty of people who care.

-SciFi

Herzog did a full recap in the paper and online, here

Sorry guys/gals. I've been reading the Oregonian Sports Page, (the physical paper), front to back for about 80 years now.

The Pilots Women's Soccer team gets more features and attention, (recently on the front page or a note on the front page alerting you to a feature inside), than any other men's or women's college team in the state by far.

They dwarf the Pilots Men's Soccer team to the point of embarrassment. And PSU's teams, other Portland area college teams, and UO and OSU, and on down the line.

And the Pilots Women have earned that right by way of they are BY FAR the most popular college soccer team in the state. No one else is close.

If the Pilots Men, or another D1 team went deep into the playoffs, that team would quickly pick coverage by all the newspapers, TV news sports segments and internet blogs, forums, etc..

When we win our third title, (and we WILL win a third title in the not too distant future), the Pilots Women will be treated again like rock stars as they were in 2005, and "Pilotmania" will grow and there will eventually be sufficient reason to expand Merlo, in my opinion.

dating myself here, but when i was in grade school, steve brandon moonlighted as an umpire in the portland park bureau while he was employed at the Oregonian. i found him to be a realy nice guy an very personable, an that as a pre-buescent girl. i ran into him again my senior year of high school when he covered the city championship in girls basketball, he was still the same. maybe thats why garrett opened up to him. he's just really easy to open up to an feel comfortable with.

From little things I've seen over the years, I think that Garrett is a very, very savvy guy, can be very hard nosed, and is very strategic. He reveals what he wants to reveal when he thinks the occasion is right and doses out limited information when he thinks that is in the best interest of the program. Lest anyone think this is at all a criticism, it isn't. It's a compliment. He's very focused on what is best for the players and the program, so if he says something to some one you can bet he's doing it consciously because he believes it's good for the players and the program. And, in my opinion, his judgment on that is excellent.

You are right on about the Coach, UPSF. I agree 100% with your post.

To be honest, though, he and his coaching staff, with the exception of Lauren, are not very warm or conversational with this very well-meaning fan of the team.

Personally, this team is one of the few really positive things happening in my very limited life. I don't get out very often anymore. A smile or some sort of recognition that I exist would be nice for me, but I guess too much to ask from them.

I may be backing off posting on the board for a while. (Maybe.) I am growing very fatigued both mentally and physically, and might crawl under the house to hybernate for a while. Love ya all!!!

Disclaimer: This post references FANatic, and no else.

FANatic, I don't think it's intentional on Garrett's part. I think it's just part of his personality, which I believe is very reserved and pretty introverted. That doesn't mean he doesn't take charge, which he clearly does. It's sort of a characteristic of some introverted people that although they sometimes seem cold and removed, they can be very warm and relational in a situation in which they feel really comfortable. That can include a coaching situation, where their role is well defined. I know this from experience.

PS - If you're out for a while, we'll miss you. But get your rest now, we'll need you later in the season.

Thanks much, UPSF. Your insight on Garrett's personality is very helpful to me in understanding him. I have never questioned that he is a great coach and recruiter - and I hang on his every word when I read or listen to his responses in an interview.

I am just really fatigued, I guess. Unless I am bed bound, I hope to continue to post when the energy is there. But I will hold off if I can't be the real FANatic. Dude's a little wacky, but he makes me forget my woes and just enjoy this great soccer program, and all the wonderful folks here on Pilot Nation. You are all my good friends, and you make my life just a bit more fun.

FANatic, take the time you need to get right. Your enthusiasm and knowledge are part of what makes this site great. You are great to have around, and I always read what you have to say.

You complete us FANatic... don't stray too far... And if you take a little hiatus, I most definitely expect you back with a vengeance soon

Thanks guys, for the kind words. I'll be back. I'm reading posts now. Very excited about Sophie's golden goal against USC, and it sounds like we simply have a marvelous team.

I'm still not sold, unfortunately, on how we can lose three critical, intregal players and expect to compete aginst the UCLA's of the tournament. Sell me. Sell me. Sell me.

mikemac65: I know I must complete the quest. It will be done! (When I am prepared and at the ready.)

Fan, you gave me a nice welcome to this site and I appreciated it. I find your posts to be very informative, creative, entertaining and your love for the team is evident in every post. I don't know your situation so if you need a break. By all means take it. I am sure the Board will anxiously await your return.

As pertains to Garrett, I have found him to be polite but very deliberate in his comments especially with respect to UP Soccer. I know he likes golf so maybe you could ask him for advice on picking a new driver or something to strike up a conversation.

I find Lauren and Lisa to be friendly. Better to catch them after the game as they are keyed up and preoccupied pre-game. (as one would expect). Take care. Hope you decide your not done yet.