Soccer head coach headed to Liberia to help
 teach game of soccer

Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: Sports

 ISU women's soccer is going global as head women's soccer coach Vernon Croft heads to Liberia to work with L.A.C.E.S. (Life and Change Experienced through Sports).

This is not the first project Croft and the Sycamores have undergone with L.A.C.E.S. The Sycamores underwent "L.A.C.E.S. Day" earlier this year. Fans were encouraged to bring a pair of old cleats or soccer ball to the game to help support Croft's venture to Liberia.

This is the first trip to Liberia for Croft, though he has already shown his support for L.A.C.E.S. "It's something that I got involved with just a bit ago," Croft said. "I have always had a bit of a passion for with helping the community."

"This is an opportunity for me to bring some excitement and some resources to a country that just loves the game of soccer," said Croft. "And for myself to help with the education of that, it's just so exciting."

Croft is not alone in community service as his players raised over $400 and went on a toy shopping spree for Toys for Tots, making it possible for up to eighty children to have a gift on Christmas morning.

"It's a huge feeling of accomplishment for me," said Croft. "It's great to hear people in the community when they send me emails or give me a call telling me that my players did such great things."

Croft just inked nine new recruits for the 2008 campaign.

"This is the largest class we have had since 2001," said Croft. "We want them to add more to our competitiveness, and I think this really is going to be one of our best teams in a while."

A blog will be set up through GoSycamores.com for Coach Croft's Venture to Liberia.

"This is an opportunity for me to help a (region) that doesn't get much help; I am just so excited," said Croft.