SLIPPERY ROCK — Lisa Rodgers misses wearing big goalkeeper gloves.

The Butler High graduate has come to grips with not wearing large grips, however.

“It's kind of hard, but at the same time, I know my time is done,” Rodgers said. “My job now is to help the girls as much as I can.”

Rodgers was content with just being a graduate assistant coach for the Slippery Rock University women's soccer team last year.

Fate had other ideas.

Rock coach Noreen Herlihy discovered Rodgers still had a year of eligibility left after starring in goal for the University of Dayton for three years.

Rodgers, who is now in her second year in the graduate program for physical therapy, jumped at the chance to play again.

She also helped coach the young goalkeepers on the roster while she turned away shots on the field.

Rodgers handled both tasks well, recording 11 shutouts and helping The Rock to a 16-5-2 record last season.

SRU also set a school record with 11 consecutive shutouts and advanced to the third round of the NCAA tournament.

While Rodgers' playing days are done, her influence on the SRU soccer program is not.

“She's handled it quite well,” Herlihy said. “Last year she was doing double duty. I think it's a relief for her now that she only has coaching duties. She's done a wonderful job.”

Last year, Rodgers cut into the playing time of incumbent Dana O'Neill, who started 15 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2010.

O'Neill was 5-0 with four shutouts in limited time as Rodgers' primary backup last season, but is again the starter this season.

Rodgers' task is making O'Neill even better.

“I have the same attitude as I had last year,” Rodgers said. “We still joke around and have a good time. There has always been respect. But this year there is a line.

“I feel like I can be more critical on the field and off the field,” Rodgers added. “Last year I had to be a little careful about what I said and where. There has never been a problem.”

Herlihy said Rodgers is so good at coaching the goalkeepers because of the respect they all share.

“I think they look up to her because of the fact that she has played at a very big level,” Herlihy said.

Rodgers is expecting The Rock to play at a very high level this season.

Slippery Rock is ranked No. 14 in the preseason NCAA Division II women's soccer poll and is one of the favorites to win the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference this season.

“I'm very, very excited about the team this year,” Rodgers said. “I think if we can put it all together, we can exceed what we did last year.”

Herlihy agrees.

The coach, who has been at the helm of The Rock women's soccer program for 17 years, doesn't put much stock in preseason rankings, however.

“Preseason national rankings are a wonderful thing. We've frequently been in the top 25,” Herlihy said. “Where we are at the end of November is what really matters.”