As the Penn State women’s soccer team prepares to open its Big Ten schedule at home against Maryland, head coach Erica Dambach is placing major emphasis on one thing: mentality.  

After a non-conference schedule that included difficult tests and some unwanted results, Dambach knows that how her team approaches each game mentally could define their season going forward. As the team officially enters its Big Ten conference schedule, the Nittany Lions are focused on bringing a sharper mindset into conference competition.  

“We have grown and learned a lot as a team in the non-conference stretch, and now it is about continuing to develop,” Dambach said. “We know the challenges ahead, and we need to keep continuing to work as a team.”  

Penn State enters Thursday night’s matchup against Maryland having already faced challenging opponents like Duke, Virginia, and James Madison.

The team suffered losses to Duke and Virginia and drew against James Madison, where they failed to convert on key chances. In their match this past weekend against Liberty, the Nittany Lions showed what they are capable of with a 3-0 win on the road. However, Dambach stresses the importance of having a consistently strong mentality.   

“We have played some tough teams and learned a lot,” Dambach said. “Against Virginia, we gave up a goal early, and I just don’t think we responded the right way. We need to be stronger in those moments.”  

Dambach is hopeful that the team can use this as a crucial lesson as they prepare to step into their Big Ten schedule. In last year’s matchup against Maryland, the Nittany Lions controlled the game, defeating the Terrapins 5-0.

At the end of last season, Michael Marchiano was appointed the new head coach of the Maryland women’s soccer team. Dambach knows that with this change in coaching staff, Maryland will not be the same team they were last season.  

In the Big Ten, one component that can carry a team far is leadership. Dambach has always encouraged strong leadership, especially from her experienced players. One player who’s exemplified the kind of leadership and mental strength Dambach wants to see is defender Kayleigh Herr. 

“I have to say, I have been really impressed with Kayleigh. She has been tremendous,” Dambach said. “She has stepped up not just in how she plays, but in how she leads. She has been really strong in the back line and has had some incredible blocks.”  

But it’s not just the starters that are shaping the team’s mentality. Dambach also praised the effort and focus of the players coming off the bench, noting that their competitive and strong mentality has raised the expectations for everyone on the team.  

“We have girls coming off the bench with great mentality. They are constantly pushing, and that keeps our starters going,” Dambach said. “They know that if they are not performing, someone else is ready to step in.”  

With the win against Liberty providing a boost of confidence, Penn State will look to carry the momentum into its match against Maryland, and hopefully with the right mental edge.  

“The Big Ten is a battle every single game. If we can keep that strong mentality, we have the talent to go far,” Dambach said.  

Penn State is slated to face Maryland at Jeffrey Field on Thursday, September 11, at 6 p.m.