CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi Christian University women's soccer has opened fall camp with a clear goal in mind: build team chemistry, establish its identity and compete for a Gulf South Conference championship.

For juniors Brinn Picard and Faith Clark, the first week of preseason has already provided plenty of reasons for optimism.

With a mix of returning players and newcomers, including transfers, the Lady Choctaws have quickly begun to develop a strong team dynamic. Clark said the way the returning players have welcomed the newcomers has been one of the team's biggest strengths during the opening days of camp.

"The team looks really strong," Clark said. "We have a really good group of girls. Everyone's mixing together really well. One of the strengths of this group is just how warm and welcoming all the returners are for all the new girls. Everyone's just meshing really well together, both on and off the field."

That chemistry has carried over onto the training field, where Picard said the intensity has been evident from the start.

"There's a whole lot of high-intensity energy at every practice that we've had this preseason," Picard said. "We've all come in with the mindset that we want to win the GSC and change this program around again."

For Picard and Clark, that mindset also comes with increased responsibility. Both juniors are part of an eight-player leadership council that has taken a different approach to team leadership this season.

Rather than relying solely on individual captains, the group of eight is working together to provide leadership in different areas while helping set the tone for the entire roster.

"It's been really cool to see all eight of us step up in different ways," Clark said. "We each have different jobs, tasks and really just lead the team well. We bring the energy and push girls every practice."

Picard believes the leadership structure has created an environment where leadership extends beyond the eight members of the council.

"The leadership dynamic is a bit different this year, but I think for the rest of the season it's better than anything that we've had at this program," Picard said. "The eight of us are bringing everyone up with us. I feel like all of us are leaders, every single one of us — not just the eight."

That shared responsibility has become a defining characteristic of the team during the first week of camp. With more than 40 players working toward the same goal, Picard said seeing everyone embrace their role has been encouraging.

"It's really good to see every single person stepping up and playing their role on the team," she said.

As the Lady Choctaws continue through preseason training and prepare for the start of the regular season later this month, both players are eager to see how the team's chemistry translates to competition.

For Picard, the anticipation is already building.

"I'm most looking forward to bringing a lot of energy, fun and high intensity to every game," she said. "I'm just excited to walk out to the field and play as a team. Our chemistry is amazing. We all want to win."

That common purpose is what Picard believes can make this year's team special.

"We all have one goal in mind — to win the GSC," she said. "We're going to fight for that through every game, all together as a team."

Clark echoed that excitement as the Lady Choctaws near their first opportunity to take the work from fall camp onto the field.

"I'm just excited to be back on the field with all the girls and show them what we've got," Clark said.

With a new season ahead, a growing group of leaders and a roster that continues to come together, the Lady Choctaws are using the first week of fall camp to establish the identity they hope will carry them throughout the season.