FROM THE GROUND UP

Building a collegiate soccer program, especially in a conference as competitive as the ACC, is no easy task. But FSU found their person in Heather Kerby (later Heather Kerby-Nelson), who became the first head coach in program history in 1995. Over four seasons, Kerby used her own experiences to strengthen the young team. The Vancouver native was a four-year starter and captain at the University of Saskatchewan and a member of the first Canadian National Team Program in 1987. She coached youth teams, at her alma mater and within the Saskatchewan Soccer Association, in addition to serving as player-coach at the National Coaching Institute. With plenty of international competition and coaching expertise, FSU tapped Kerby for the job. “We plan to build our program steadily over the next five years by recruiting regional and national level players,” Kerby said before the inaugural season. “Players striving for excellence want to play in the ACC, because it is the ultimate challenge and opportunity. They also want to play. FSU can offer both the ACC and the game experience.”