Both Men’s and Women’s Soccer Team’s have a record of 3-0-1 to start the season.
The sound of dirt crunching as the cleats hit the field, the fresh look of jerseys about to be grass-stained, the orange water coolers stacked on the sidelines and the sound of the whistle blowing to start the match mean it is time for the Marlins’ soccer season to return. The Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams brought the fire to the field as they began non-conference play the first week of classes.
The women’s team opened Friday, Aug. 29 with a strong victory, defeating Saint Benedict 3-0. Senior Shyenne Diaz, freshman Lyla Wells and sophomore Alexis Manfredi each added a goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Allie Greco only needed one save to secure the shutout.
Women’s Soccer is currently ranked number two in the pre-season poll after finishing with a 10-6-3 record in the 2024 season. Head Women’s Soccer Coach Jeff Bowers said he is not concerned about the numbers from last year, but his goal is to see positive results early in the season. “We talk about substance over image a lot. It’s more about what’s inside of us versus the image of a number,” Bowers said.
Greco said she is optimistic about the season. “Practice has been going really well. There is a great energy this year, and practices have been very competitive and at a high level. Some of our goals this year are to win the ODAC and play in the NCAA tournament,” Greco said.
Likewise, Bowers emphasized that this team aims to reach the NCAA tournament. “Our goal is to try to get moving this year and come out on fire on Friday nights,” Bowers said.
Senior defender Aaron Deans evades an attacker against University of Redlands on Sept. 6 in a 2-1 win.
Photo: Laila Jones | Marlin Chronicle
Bowers said the strong senior leadership has helped motivate the team during the pre-season training sessions. “We have some great senior leaders, and our upperclassmen have set a great tone. I really feel like our freshmen have come in, and you’d think that they have been here for multiple years. They have really assimilated quickly, and the team has bonded very quickly, so it’s been really fun,” Bowers said.
Hoping to carry on the team’s positive culture, Greco said, “Our team has many traditions, from dancing in the locker room before every game to goals and dedications before every game, but grace, humility and servant leadership are the most important values our team holds. We are always pushing each other to be at our best, along with giving back to the community at any time that we can.”
According to its members, the women’s team has a strong, positive culture that has set the tone for the season, and the Women’s Soccer team is like a family in the Marlin community. “They really enjoy being around each other, and I think that’s really helped to motivate them by coming out to each training session, to try to get better,” Bowers said.
Greco conveyed the goal to leave her mark and make this a season to remember. “One word I would use to describe VWU soccer is a legacy,” Greco said.
According to Bowers, not only does the team work hard on the field, but they also put in the work off the field by being students before athletes. “The team recruits academically driven student-athletes who support one another academically through study groups, showcasing a 3.5 average GPA last spring and a 3.4 average last fall,” Bowers said.
“The main reminder is to play hard and have fun,” Bowers said.
Freshman forward Victoria Mills kicks a through ball against University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on Sept. 7 in a 1-1 tie.
Photo: Laila Jones | Marlin Chronicle
The VWU Men’s Soccer team is shaping up with Coach Shane Kohler at the helm. They led off the season with a definitive win, overtaking the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a 3-0 score. Senior Ryan McAdams started the rally with the first goal, followed by senior Zach Bittler, who led the offense scoring two goals.
“We’ve just got to continue the process and be the same team that we have been,” Kohler said. He offered this challenge: “Can we be a little more disciplined and execute a little bit more in the crucial moments?” The team has made an effort to treat each new season as a fresh start and the opportunity to showcase new talent.
“The focus is getting better every single day, keeping the same mentality day in and day out,” Kohler said. The team strives to uphold the same level of effort, discipline and preparation every day, regardless of rankings or circumstances.
“We have to continue to trust what we’ve been doing and continue to push a little bit more,” Kohler said.
“If we want to be ODAC champions and go to the NCAA tournament, we have to keep the same effort, the same standard every single day. Whether we are playing in a match, whether it’s just a practice, we have to keep that same process,” Kohler said. “You can’t focus on the end result.”
“We are really excited for the season, and it is a day-by-day process,” Kohler said. Although the team has hopes of winning the ODAC Conference and reaching the NCAA tournament, Kohler emphasized that it is important to focus on improving one day at a time.
Image: Gabrielle Barnett | Marlin Chronicle
By: Bailey Gray
bcgray@vwu.edu