Eastern women’s soccer coach Steve Ballard admitted that maybe he has gotten a little too soft during this off-season.

He finds it harder each year to find flaws in the players he brings in, giving him more time to work on planning for games and spending less time on the basics.

This leaves Ballard, who enters his ninth year as the Panthers’ coach, with little to complain about.

“It’s a good position to be in,” Ballard said. “They know the expectations. It’s sort of a program that is running itself…I think we have improved in all areas, whether it’s speed, size or strength”

Ballard was especially pleased with how prepared his players were entering the first week of practice. He said his veteran players have shown they are ready to lead a team that is going for its third straight trip to the NCAA tournament.

“They have the work ethic and desire to compete,” Ballard said. “I think our returners have come back as fit and as dedicated as anyone else. They have a large commitment to what we want to achieve.”

Adding depth on an already deep roster is every coach’s dream.

Both Ballard and his players believe this year’s team could be the strongest yet.

“I really believe our depth is very strong and believe the level of play is going to stay high,” junior midfielder Rachel Dorfman said. “Everyone looks great and looks like they have practiced and got in shape over the summer.”

Dorfman is just one of several key returning players for the Ohio Valley Conference tournament champions.

Along with senior forward Beth Liesen, the Panthers return All-OVC players Audra Frericks and LeeAnn Langsfeld.

Ballard is also happy to see the progress of his seven incoming freshman, and expects a few to get a shot in the starting lineup.

“I think we are a balanced team and really the strength of this team is we are really young,” Ballard said. “Amy Dix has been doing extremely well and has been fighting for a a starting spot. Trish Walter has also been playing well for us.”

The one question left to be answered is whether or not Eastern can replace the fire graduated player Cara LeMaster provided for the past four years.

“We will definitely miss the passion,” Ballard said. “I don’t think we can replace her but I think the whole team can play with a passion that she brought.”

Ballard said the players are just ready to get the season started and play some regular season games. Eastern’s first test comes Friday at Lakeside Field against in-state rival Western Illinois.