The Skyline Trojans women’s soccer team has something to smile about after being disappointed and left out of the playoffs last year: The Trojans have a newly renovated facility for home games.

“I think this has always been a hard to place to watch games because of the weather not the facilities,” said Kevin Corsiglia, women’s soccer coach. “But we made it more appealing, and there is a great view from the bleachers so its definitely more spectator friendly.”

This sets up a positive outlook for the lady Trojans after being left out of the postseason in which they were just .0142 power points behind 16th ranked Ohlone College.

“As a team, I think we can go farther this season,” said Aurora David, offensive mid-back.

“My expectations are high for myself and for the team,” said Jamie Bosnich, defensive mid-back.

Expectations are higher for the lady Trojans this year not only because of a new facility but also because they’ve had back to back winning seasons.

“When visiting teams visit our field, they are going to expect to play a team who is going to match the quality of our field,” said Coach Corsiglia. “We’ve been given an amazing facility and equipment, and if we utilize our talent on our new field, expectations are definitely higher.”

The approximated cost of the new facility is about $1.5 million which includes a new turf field, ground goals, fencing, sound system and player shelters.

Funding was provided from redevelopment dollars which is very separate from a bond. Any community used facility is taxed based so that redevelopment dollars each year is used to maintain facilities specifically for community use. No funds were used from bonds to renovate the facility.

In addition to the field, there is a brand new 27 foot scoreboard, donated by the international brotherhood of electrical workers.

“The Estimated cost to prepare the field and put the field turf down is about $800,000 to $1 million dollars,” said Dean Wolf. “If you think about the reduction in maintenance, chemicals on the field, and not needing to use water because it’s turf, they say in about 7 years, the field pays for itself.”

Dean Wolf also expects this new field to last the next 15 years.

Not only does the new facility accommodates to its players, but also to the fans with seating for approximately 400, conveniently located restrooms and walkways.

“We’re very fortunate to receive what we have received,” said Coach Corsiglia. “No junior college in the bay area or the state has a facility that we’re currently playing on right now.

The newly renovated field has left the lady Trojans optimistic this year and happy to be away from their old field.

“We had an okay turn out at our games last year, but this year we’re trying to get more people,” said David.

The condition of last year’s field had a 3 ft hump to it, thus the field wasn’t an ideal place to play on. Things have changed.

With a new game facility for themselves, the Skyline Trojans women’s soccer team has a fresh outlook to start their 2005 season on.

“On a nice day, I don’t think there is a nicer place to watch a soccer game, with the trees and hills in the background. It’s an amazing setting.” said Coach Corsiglia.

Catch the lady Trojan’s first home game on August 30th as they go up against West Hills College at 3 pm.