Transferring to a new school in a different state is a challenge freshman Kayla Paoulos has embraced since joining the Bobcats from South Carolina in the winter. Paoulos, a forward, appeared in two games for the Gamecocks. A lack of playing time contributed to her decision to transfer, after she registered only 22 minutes and one shot on goal during her first collegiate season.
“I visited here before I committed to South Carolina and was absolutely in love with the campus,” Paoulos said. “South Carolina didn’t really work out, and I decided to come (to Ohio University).”
On Aug. 29, the Bobcats lost 2-0 to South Carolina. Coach Stacy Strauss said that game played a role in Paoulos’ desire to transfer. Paoulos was able to see the level of play from Ohio firsthand, and when the opportunity arose to transfer, she didn’t hesitate with choosing Ohio.
“She emailed me and sent a release that she had been given from the University of South Caroline staff,” Strauss said. “I spoke with Kayla and the staff from South Carolina, and then she made the decision pretty quickly to come here.”
Paoulos was given a transfer release, which allowed for a one-time exemption from the NCAA rule which states transfer players must wait a year to play after changing schools. Paoulos will be eligible to play for the Bobcats in the fall.
Strauss cited Paoulos’ personality for what has been a seamless transition between schools so far.
“She has a good sense of humor and is very humble,” Strauss said. “It’s been a transition for her. Coming in the middle of the year is tough, but she has adjusted.”
Although the off-field adjustment has been manageable, the Bobcats’ tactics will be a bit more of a challenge for Paoulos to master. She joins a team that lost only three seniors this year and will return players that have been familiar with each other for two or three years.
“The style of play is not that different,” Paoulos said. “It’s hard getting to know certain players and adjusting to playing with them. It’s going to really take time.”
Time is just what Paoulos has as she progresses through the spring season with the Bobcats. Getting to know players on the field and predicting what they will do without looking at them is something that will continue to grow, Paoulos said. Her focus is for the fall and being prepared to play a role for the soccer team.
Strauss said Pauolos has good offensive ability. The Bobcats are in need of just that, after tallying only 17 goals in 19 games last fall.
“Her (1-on-1) attacking ability is very good,” Strauss said. “She is able to beat defenders, and when the ball is in the box she can create great opportunities along with strong service.”
Strauss emphasized Paoulos’ fitness as an area that needs improvement throughout the spring season, but also with finding her specialty as a player, which she can continue to build on.
Her strengths as an opportunist and her attacking ability are some of the things Strauss would like to see Paoulos develop more coming into the fall.
“If she can continue to become better conditioned and last a little bit longer, she can be very effective for us,” Strauss said.
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