2022 NSIC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll

8/11/2022 10:00:00 AM

MINNESOTA STATE PICKED IN NSIC WOMEN'S SOCCER PRESEASON POLL

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BURNSVILLE, Minn. –  The five-time defending NSIC Tournament Champions of Minnesota State University, Mankato were picked to win the NSIC in the preseason coaches’ poll. This marks the 10th time since re-joining the NSIC in 2008 that the Mavericks have been picked to win the league.

Minnesota State received eight first place votes and tallied 217 points, ranking them ahead of the reigning NSIC Champions of Bemidji State, which tallied 210 points and received five first place votes. Augustana came in third with 199 points and the other three first place votes. Concordia-St. Paul was fourth with 178 points while the University of Mary was fifth with 159 points.

The 2022 NSIC Soccer Regular Season Champion will be determined by a 15-match league schedule, with a win earning a team three points and a tie one point.

The 2022 NSIC Soccer season will see its first action on Thursday, August 25 with NSIC action beginning on Friday, September 9.  

The NSIC Tournament is scheduled for Monday, October 31, Friday, November 4 and Sunday, November 6. The top four seeds shall host for the first round, followed by the semifinal and championship rounds at the campus of the highest remaining seed of the four quarterfinal winners. 

PRESEASON PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

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#4 Jenny Vetter (F, 5-3, Sr., Mankato, Minn. / East HS) - Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • Led the Mavericks in goals (19), points (42), shots on goal (46) and game winning goals (7) last season
  • Ranks fourth all-time at Minnesota State in career goals with 45 and fifth in career points with 104
  • Scored four goals in MSU’s win over Upper Iowa last season, becoming the third Maverick in team history to record at least four goals in a game
  • Has been named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Year twice (2019 & 2021)
  • Earned seven All-American honors during her career
  • Led the NSIC in goals and points last season
We are blessed to have Jenny with us for one more season. She’s been an incredible example and leader for our program these last four years and continues to get better and better each year. As most are aware of by now, her speed and work rate are elite, absolute game changers and her ability to create and finish around the goal is second to none.
Head Coach Brian Bahl
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#9 Megan Dahl (CB, 5-8, Sr., Rosemount, Minn. / Rosemount HS) - Bemidji State University
  • 2021 United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team and Scholar All-America Team
  • 2021 NSIC Defensive Player of the Year
  • Three-time All-NSIC selection (1st 2021; 3rd 2019; 2nd 2018)
  • Anchored BSU defense that allowed 19 goals in 24 matches with 13 shutouts
  • Started all 24 matches and led BSU with 2,063 minutes
  • Recorded five assists and one goal last season
A coach on the field. She can direct traffic as well as she can make a hard tackle and she can tackle. Her leadership has grown along with her game and both are at high points coming into this fall. She's our emotional leader and fills our team with confidence on game days. She can change the dynamic of a game in many different ways as she has a diverse skill set and big IQ.
Head Coach Jim Stone

SEASON PREVIEWS & PLAYERS TO WATCH

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

The Augustana women’s soccer team is looking to continue the success from last season. The Vikings were unbeaten at home with strong wins against ranked opponents. In 2021, the team held a conference record of 12-1-2 and an overall record of 14-4-2. Augustana tallied 42 goals against NSIC opponents in 2021. 

The Vikings return four of the seven total NSIC All-Conference honorees from last season. Jillian Barkus, Morgan Keirstead, Sylvie Fehr and Kelly Kleekamp return to the field in 2022. Augustana gets its season underway with a trio of non-conference games at Morstad Field in late August. To begin conference action, the Vikings head to St. Paul, Minnesota, for a matchup with Concordia-St. Paul. The Vikings make their NSIC home debut on September 23, hosting Bemidji State.

There are several things that excite me about this upcoming season, the experience and wisdom of our returners, especially our seniors. Plus the energy and abilities from our first year players as well as the overall determination, focus and grit of our second and third year athletes! It is always just so fun to start a season with a tremendous amount of hope and optimism and I feel like the athletes are coming in fit and possessing a strong desire to be successful! I anticipate that it is going to be a really fun season!
Head Coach Brandon Barkus
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#16 Sylvia Fehr (F, 5-5, Sr., Omaha, Neb. / Westside HS) 

  • Led the 2021 team with 15 assists
  • Named to the NSIC All-Conference Second Team
  • Holds the program record for most assists in a single season
Sylvia had a true breakout season last year! One of the toughest, hard-nosed players we have had play in our program. I anticipate she will continue to give teams “fits” as she goes at our opponents with a relentless drive and determination that is truly second to none in the league. Sylvia's desire to be great is something that continues to separate her from all other attackers, I know she will be amazing this season!
Head Coach Brandon Barkus

#1 Jillian Barkus (GK, 5-6, Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D. / O'Gorman HS) 

  • Named to the NSIC All-Conference Second Team
  • Made 19 of 20 starts during the 2021 season
  • Had shutouts in 10 of the 20 games that she played
Both Jillian’s presence in goal and overall experience will be key to our success this season. She possesses the ability for us to build out of the back but to also create quick counter attacking opportunities based on her soccer intelligence and ability to read the game. I believe she will be one of the toughest goalkeepers in the league to be scored on, and because of that it will lead our team to hopefully a massively successful season!
Head Coach Brandon Barkus

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

The Beavers took another leap forward in 2021 with a trip to the NCAA Division II Postseason Tournament Third Round, the furthest the program has advanced in the national tournament. With a 19-2-3 record, Stone's 2021 squad tallied the most wins in program history to earn him NSIC Coach of the Year for the fifth time and the United Soccer Coaches Staff of the Year award. He led BSU to its second NSIC Regular Season Championship with an undefeated conference record of 13-0-2, the third undefeated conference season in program history, as part of 20 straight unbeaten matches to start the season. The Beavers set a program record with 14 shutouts and allowed the fourth-fewest goals per game in program history. BSU enters the 2022 season No. 9 in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, the highest ranked team in the NSIC.

Stone coached a program-record eight all-conference selections, seven all-region picks, and the NSIC’s 2022 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-American First Team recipient Megan Dahl. The Beavers totaled seven NSIC Player of the Week honors, the most for BSU in a single season, including two from BSU’s Offensive Player to Watch Sara Wendt. Stone's focus on the classroom came through with United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American honors by Dahl and Wendt, along with a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region award for Allyson Smith.

Bemidji State begins the 2022 campaign Sunday, August 28 with a match at South Dakota State University.

I'm excited about the possibilities of this season, excited to see what our freshmen class brings and how they complement and complete the rest of our roster. I like our leadership, I like our potential and like the experience that this roster has under its belt. We play in a great conference, one of the best in the country and our region is tops. I'm looking forward to the competition that lies ahead and the possibilities that this team could create if they gel as a team.
Head Coach Jim Stone
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#14 Sara Wendt (F, 5-10, Sr., Arden Hills, Minn. / Mounds View HS) 

  • 2021 United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America Team
  • 2021 United Soccer Coaches and D2CCA All-Region Second Team
  • Two-time All-NSIC selection (2nd team 2019; 1st team 2021)
  • Led BSU with 19 goals and 41 points, which rank second all-time in single-season program history
  • Holds program record with 17 career game-winning goals and is third with 35 career goals
Sara is a straight A student who is going to become a dermatologist. She's always studying, always learning, always working. She's the same person on the field. The first to show up to practice, the last to leave. Any nugget of knowledge that she can attain she amply puts in the work to bring that new idea to life. A gifted goal scorer whose all around game continues to grow.
Head Coach Jim Stone

#9 Megan Dahl (CB, 5-8, Sr., Rosemount, Minn. / Rosemount HS)

  • 2021 United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team and Scholar All-America Team
  • 2021 NSIC Defensive Player of the Year
  • Three-time All-NSIC selection (1st 2021; 3rd 2019; 2nd 2018)
  • Anchored BSU defense that allowed 19 goals in 24 matches with 13 shutouts
  • Started all 24 matches and led BSU with 2,063 minutes
  • Recorded five assists and one goal last season
     
A coach on the field. She can direct traffic as well as she can make a hard tackle and she can tackle. Her leadership has grown along with her game and both are at high points coming into this fall. She's our emotional leader and fills our team with confidence on game days. She can change the dynamic of a game in many different ways as she has a diverse skill set and big IQ.
Head Coach Jim Stone

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL

The Golden Bear Women’s Soccer squad looks to build off an impressive showing in the 2021 season that saw them advance to the conference semi-final game. 

CSP has managed a record better than .500 the past four seasons and looks to build off a 10-7-3 (8-4-3, NSIC) from a season ago. The impressive run includes their first ever regular season NSIC Championship and NCAA Central Regional berth in 2019. 

CSP returns their top scoring forward from a year ago, Katie Anderson, who looks to match the impressive sophomore campaign that saw her find the goal seven times (7th NSIC), twice for game winners. Her ability to fire on the net pushed her to the league lead in 2019 with 5.2 shots per game.

Joining Anderson in the CSP lineup is fellow junior and veteran defender, Tori Miller. Miller started all 20 of the Golden Bears' matches last season and accumulated 1770 minutes on the field, most among all returners while helping the team secure eight shutouts and allowing under five shots on goal per game to the opposition.

The Golden Bears return seven key starters from a year ago, including midfielder Sophie Pawlyshyn and goalkeepers Ashlyn Waldon and Jessi Jordan. Pawlyshyn was tied with Anderson for the team lead in points (14) while ranking sixth in the league with six assists. Jordan started in 11 of the team’s 20 games, securing six wins and three shutouts while Ashlyn Waldon came on strong down the stretch, starting six games and producing a 4-1-2 record, four shutouts, a 0.38 goals against average and .909 save percentage.

CSP added 11 newcomers in the offseason with 10 freshman signees and Northern Michigan transfer, Amaya O’Hearn. 

2022 sees us with a tremendous blend of youth and experience, the leadership among the returners will play an important role for the squad. We will get a level of experience that understands how to deal with two games a weekend, an extended pre-season, and importantly an understanding of the value of team spirit. The will to win games is something we need to enforce for our new players to ensure a strong year at CSP. It should be an exciting season of soccer.
Head Coach Steve Bellis
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#20 Katie Anderson (F, 5-9, Sr., San Diego, Calif. / West Hills HS) 

  • 2021 All-NSIC Second Team selection
  • Led the team in goals in 2021 with seven, ranking seventh in the NSIC
  • Led the NSIC with 5.20 shots per game
  • Tied for most points on the team with 14 in 2021
  • Second leading scorer for the 2019 NSIC Championship squad with eight goals
  • Has accumulated 15 goals in 43 career games for the Golden Bears
Katie has now been around the conference for long enough to understand what is required to be successful. Her long-term experience alone is going to put her ahead of the competition, however, her work rate and competitive nature will see her excel yet again. She works hard on all aspects of her game and is our Offensive Pre-season nominee.
Head Coach Steve Bellis

#11 Tori Miller (D, 5-5, Sr., Bloomington, Minn. / Kennedy HS) 

  • Started in all 20 games in 2021
  • Recorded 1770 minutes on the field in 2021, leading all CSP returners and ranking second on the squad
  • Contributed to eight shutouts in 2021
  • Helped the Golden Bear defense limit opponents to just under five shots on goal per game
  • Appeared in 20 games and started five for the 2019 NSIC Championship team
Tori is a returning senior with some incredible experience and know-how. Her leadership qualities and ability to motivate those around her impress consistently. As a center-back, she reads the game well and is the playmaker for us. Tori is a player who keeps learning and is our nominee for Preseason Defensive Player of the year.
Head Coach Steve Bellis

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

The University of Mary women’s soccer team looks to extend their streak of post-season appearances to five when the Marauders take to the pitch for the 2022 season. While UMary will have a little different look, Marauders head coach Sarah Cook looks to combine a solid core of returners with an impressive collection of newcomers.

Senior goalkeeper Madisyn Waltman and sophomore forward Kendra Park headline a Marauders side that returns 14 players from last fall’s team that placed 6th in the NSIC standings and finished with a record of 9-7-3 overall and 8-5-2 in conference play. A pair of midyear transfers joined the Marauders last spring and 12 newcomers (nine freshmen and three transfers) round out the 28-player squad.

Out of the Marauders five All-Northern Sun selections from last fall, Waltman is UMary’s only returning all-conference player. A two-time second team choice in her career, the Sioux Falls, SD, native is tied for the Marauders career record of shutouts with 25. A team captain, she had eight clean sheets last season and posted a goals against average of 0.80.

Park made an immediate impact on the Marauders attack. Primarily providing a spark off the bench, she led the team with five goals. The Lake Havasu, AZ, native posted two game-winning goals, including in a 2-goal effort against Concordia-St. Paul.

Seniors Yasmina Dokara, Jessica Lemmon and Taylor Meyrick and sophomores Sophia Lange and Ava Vizenor are returning starters. A pair of Wyoming natives who joined the squad last spring also return. Defender Eli Olsen and forward Andi Hunsicker played together at Laramie County Community College. Olson also played at Charleston Southern University.

UMary opens the season at the Rimrock Classic in Billings, MT, on August 25 before hosting Emporia State on September 2. The NSIC schedule kicks off September 9 when UMary hosts St. Cloud State. 

Our leadership is very strong with Madisyn Waltman and Yasmina Dokara taking the helm this year. We have a great balance of talent in every position with a wealth of talent returning and quality incoming players who will add to our overall depth. It’s an eager group, and I’m very excited to get started with them!
Head Coach Sarah Cook
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#12 Kendra Park  (F, 5-4, So., Lake Havasu City, Ariz. / Lake Havasu HS) 

• Led the Marauders with five goals as a freshman
• Tied for second in points (10) and game-winning goals (2)
• Ranked 9th in the NSIC in game-winners and 14th in counters
• Scored the lone goal in a 1-0 overtime win over Winona State 
• Had two goals in a 3-1 victory over Concordia-St. Paul

Kendra is a dynamic forward who has an outstanding eye for where the goal is. She is great at getting in behind backlines and has tremendous finishing ability in front of goal.
Head Coach Sarah Cook

#1 Madisyn Waltman (GK, 5-8, Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D. / Roosevelt HS) 

  • 2-time All-Northern Sun 2nd team goalkeeper (2019, 2021)
  • A starter since her freshman year, Waltman is tied for the team career shutout record with 25
  • Posted eight shutouts with a 0.80 goals against average (3rd in NSIC) in 2021
  • Had nine shutouts as a sophomore as the Marauders set a school-record by allowing just 0.53 goals against
  • The team captain is a 3-time member of the NSIC All-Academic team
  • Owns a career 0.86 goals against average and a .817 save %
Madisyn is a great leader for the team. She is our last line of defense and first line of attack. She has a tremendous amount of experience in her position and a high knowledge of the league, which all aid in her success on the pitch.
Head Coach Sarah Cook

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON

Minnesota Crookston looks to build on a 1-17 mark in 2021. The Golden Eagles are in their fourth season under Head Coach Kyle Halfpop in 2022. They will welcome Neil Mancktelow to the staff as assistant coach in 2022. The Golden Eagles return 12 players who saw time in 2021. Minnesota Crookston is led by Abby Fettinger (So., F, White Bear Lake, Minn.), who had two goals and two assists in 2021. In addition, Jada VanOverbeke, the first All-NSIC player for the Golden Eagles since 2016, returns after a strong debut season in the back row. Minnesota Crookston returns five players who started all 18 games in 2021, and 11 players who started at least half of the games last season. Minnesota Crookston also will add talented recruits to the fray, with seven newcomers in 2022. Jenna Custer (R-Fr., F, Queen Creek, Ariz.) and Ellerie Tarbox (So., F, Carter Lake, Iowa) were with the team during the spring season. Custer transferred from NCAA. Division I Grand Canyon University, while Tarbox joined the team from NCAA Division II foe Missouri Western State University. The Golden Eagles open the regular-season August 28 at home versus Waldorf University. 

I am very excited about our 2022 team as our roster continues to grow and we will still be a very young team. This group is extremely competitive and they are driven to prove themselves this year. The core of this team returns from last year and showed an incredible amount of growth in the Spring. The expectations are high within the team and they are ready to take this program to new heights.
Head Coach Kyle Halfpop
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#15 Abby Fettinger (F, 5-5, So., White Bear Lake, Minn. / White Bear Lake HS) 

  • Was the team's co-leader in scoring with six points (2 goals and 2 assists) as a freshman
  • Made the transition from the back row to forward during the season
  • Led the team with 17 shots on goal in 2021
  • Started all 18 games for the Golden Eagles as a freshman
  • Played the most minutes of any Golden Eagle in 2021
We transitioned Abby into an attacking player and she slowly grew into it and by the end of the year became very dangerous. She is a very determined player and is willing to take risks which creates opportunities for herself and her teammates. As she gains more experience up front, I expect Abby to have a tremendous impact for us on the field.
Head Coach Kyle Halfpop

#23 Jada Vanoverbeke (D, 5-6, So., Hartford, S.D. / West Central HS) 

  • Named All-NSIC Second Team as a freshman, the first Golden Eagle to earn the accolade since 2016
  • Started all 18 games in the back row for UMN Crookston
  • Played the second-most minutes on the team in 2021
  • Helped the Golden Eagle defense to one shutout
Jada is a very intelligent and competitive player. She reads the game really well and her positioning is excellent. Jada has a very calm demeanor in the back and rarely gets ahead of herself. Coming into her second year, I expect Jada to go from strength to strength and continue to lead our team from the back.
Head Coach Kyle Halfpop

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

The UMD Bulldogs are gearing up for their 2022 season. The Bulldogs had a tough season battling to a 3-12-3 overall record. They finished 2021 conference play with a 3-9-3 record, 4 of which were double overtime matches.  

The Bulldogs graduate eight members of their 2021 roster, including team standouts Sophia Grenz, Holly Kaboord, and all-conference member Julia Osborne, but are welcoming back key players with Anna Tobias, Maddie Felton, and Sarah Stange.

UMD looks to add 10 talented newcomers to the roster including Sarah Osborne, the younger sister of 2021 NSIC All-Conference Member Julia Osborne and stand-out transfer Abigail Gotham from Dakota County Technical College.

The Bulldogs will open their season at home during UMD Welcome Week celebrations with two non-conference matches against Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan University. They will then travel to St. Cloud for a non-conference meeting early September. 

They open conference play on the road where they will face off in a series of matches against the Minot State Beavers and the U-Mary Marauders. Then the Bulldogs will travel back to Duluth for their conference home opener against Upper Iowa and Winona State. 

Another notable conference series is when UMD hosts Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston, Bemidji being the NSIC tournament champions in 2021 and Minnesota Crookston being the Bulldogs highest scoring game in 2021. 

We feel we have good momentum building off a spring season that had 22 players and it gives us a sense of confidence with that many returning players. We are hoping to improve on last year's overall performance, and have higher expectations with the confidence we have gained from the second half of the season and the spring.
Head Coach Greg Cane
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#20 Sarah Stange (M, 5-3, Sr., Andover, Minn. / Anoka HS) 

  • Finished 2021 with a goal and an assist for a total of 3 points (tied for 5th the on the team)
    • Kept UMD on the attack with 13 shots on goal for a SOG% of .867
    • Started in 13 games for the Bulldogs in 2021 and saw 1,012 minutes on the pitch
    • Member of the NSIC All Academic Team 
Sarah is an excellent transition player, she can attack from the middle of the field and is a leader by work ethic and attitude. She’s one of our team captains and she will be very important to what we do and how we statistically produce.
Head Coach Greg Cane

#23 Maddie Felton  (D, 5-5, Sr., Woodbury, Minn. /  Woodbury HS) 

  • Played in 15 of the 18 matches the Bulldogs saw in 2021, starting in 10
  • Compiled a shot on goal and is one of seven Bulldogs to see over 1,000 minutes in the 2021 season
  • Played two years of collegiate soccer at the University of Northern Iowa from 2019 to 2021
  • A 2019 graduate of Woodbury High School and a two-year captain of the Royals, receiving All-State honors in her time at Woodbury
Maddie brings a lot energy and effort to the back line. She’s a no nonsense style player and leads with good effort and attitude.
Head Coach Greg Cane

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

The Minnesota State women’s soccer team enters the 2022 season after posting an 18-3-2 record, including a 12-1-2 NSIC record that ranked second in the NSIC standings. The Mavericks would go on to claim their seventh NSIC Tournament championship under head coach Brian Bahl as they advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the 10th consecutive year. Minnesota State will see 25 letterwinners return from last season’s team, including nine starters in Jenny Vetter, Allie Williams, Nadia Lowery, Brynn Desens, Caitlin Brown, Olivia Thoen, Molly Mosher, Libby Spangler and Mackenzie Rath. Both Vetter and Desens were named to the All-NSIC First Team last season, while Lowery, Rath, Spangler and Mailie Mathis were named to the All-NSIC Second Team. Vetter, who led the Mavericks in goals (19), points (42), shots on goal (46) and game winning goals (7) last season, went on to receive CoSIDA, USC and D2CCA All-American honors. Mathis and Lowery both finished second on the team in goals last season with six, while both Williams and Desens netted five goals each. Desens would claim D2CCA and USC All-Central Region honors as well, with Rath and Desens claiming USC All-Central Region honors as well.  

We’re very excited about what the 2022 season can be. We believe we have an extremely special and very talented group that’s willing to put in the time and commitment needed to be an elite team. We have significant experience returning in every line on the field, with more weapons and athleticism than we’ve ever had, as well as tremendous depth. We can’t wait to get this 2022 season started.
Head Coach Brian Bahl
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#4 Jenny Vetter (F, 5-3, Sr., Mankato, Minn. / East HS) 

  • Led the Mavericks in goals (19), points (42), shots on goal (46) and game winning goals (7) last season
  • Ranks fourth all-time at Minnesota State in career goals with 45 and fifth in career points with 104
  • Scored four goals in MSU’s win over Upper Iowa last season, becoming the third Maverick in team history to record at least four goals in a game
  • Has been named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Year twice (2019 & 2021)
  • Earned seven All-American honors during her career
  • Led the NSIC in goals and points last season
We are blessed to have Jenny with us for one more season. She’s been an incredible example and leader for our program these last four years and continues to get better and better each year. As most are aware of by now, her speed and work rate are elite, absolute game changers and her ability to create and finish around the goal is second to none.
Head Coach Brian Bahl

#0 Mackenzie  Rath (GK, 5-10, Jr., Pierre, S.D. / TF Riggs HS) 

  • Went 13-2-2 last season in 17 starts last season
  • Earned All-NSIC Second Team honors and was named to the USC All-Central Region Second Team in 2021
  • Owns a career record of 16-3-2, to go along with a 0.60 goals against average and an .874 save percentage
  • Led the NSIC in goals against average (.579) and shutouts (11) last season
  • Ranked second in the NSIC in save percentage (.882) during the 2021 season
  • Recorded two shutouts in the NSIC Tournament (1-0 vs. UMary & 4-0 vs. Augustana) and a 3-0 shutout against Oklahoma Baptist in the first round of the NCAA Tournament
Mack brings tremendous experience to the net for us as she has started games going all the way back to her freshmen year. She has continued grow in every facet of her game and has developed into one of the top goalkeepers in the country.
Head Coach Brian Bahl

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

MSUM is looking to make a step forward in the NSIC with seven starters returning for seventh-year Head Coach Christie Kopietz. That includes junior forward Ava Kieser and senior midfielder Jalyn Bauer, each of whom started 17 of 18 games last season. Senior forward Mckenzie Ickert started 16 of 18 games a year ago. Junior defender Morgan Bachelor played in 1,271 minutes last season and started 12 of the 16 games she appeared in. Seniors Dayla Miller and Jacie Osier each started 12 games a year ago while junior Allison Tharp had 11 starts last season. MSUM will have a new starting goalkeeper in 2022 as Kayleigh Sedlacek graduated. 

Our team experienced a lot of growth and cohesion this spring. I am looking forward to seeing the team apply that to our fall season. We have a fair number of new players so it will also be fun to incorporate them into the group.
Head Coach Christie Kopietz
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#2 Callyn Johnson (M, 5-5, R-Jr., West Fargo, N.D. / West Fargo HS) 

  • Key component of midfield group
  • Started three games in 2022 before season-ending injury
  • Started 11 games with 15 appearances as a freshman in 2019
Callyn is an anchor in the midfield for the team. She is a box to box midfielder with excellent vision and crafty ideas. Callyn embodies the schools values of grit, humility and heart and will be a big presence for us this fall.
Head Coach Christie Kopietz

#25 Grace Heying (D, 5-9, Jr., Buffalo, Minn. / Maple Lake HS) 

  • Will play major role in back-line defense for MSUM
  • Appeared in 14 games with seven starts in 2021
  • Played 748 minutes
  • Had three shots, including one on goal
Grace is highly intelligent soccer player with an engine that can last for 90+ minutes. She is a consistent and fierce defender that will play a major role in our back line this fall.
Head Coach Christie Kopietz

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

The 2021 Beavers exceeded the expectations of others, rolling to a fourth-place finish in the NSIC and earning a home playoff game. Gone from last year’s team is Minot State’s all-time leader in scoring, Sofia Lewis, but the Beavers return a majority of their lineup, including a trio of NSIC All-Conference performers in senior goalie Maddie Kindred, senior forward Chloe Allan, and senior defender Daisy de Boer. Allan was second on the team last season in scoring for the Beavers with six goals, more than a quarter of the team’s offense, while de Boer anchored a stingy defense that helped Kindred set a new single-season school record of 10 shutouts in 19 games. De Boer also had a goal and an assist for the Beavers. Defense proved key for Minot State last season as the Beavers were third in the NSIC allowing less than a goal per game (.871), and with one of the best goalies in the NSIC returning along with three starters on the defensive line in de Boer, and sophomores Jordan Tenpas and Shaye Taylor, the Beavers will again look to be a tough team for opponents to score against. Offensively, Allan will look to continue to be a top scoring threat, while the Beavers also look for balance attacking as Minot State returners fellow goal-scorers from last season, junior midfielder Sarah Upton, junior forward Anabel Noches, and de Boer.

This year's team is exciting because we are returning 8 starters plus majority of our girls from last year as well. We have a group that truly enjoys being on the field and who enjoy the process of what it takes to be the best.
Head Coach TJ Perez
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#7 Chloe Allan (F, 5-2, Sr., Barnard Castle, England) 

  • Named to NSIC 2nd Team All-Conference Team in 2021
  • Second on team in goals scored (6) and points (12) in fall of 2021
  • Scored game-winning games vs Colorado Mesa, St. Cloud State, and Southwest Minnesota State
  • A transfer from Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa
  • Was named to 2019 First Team All-Region ICCAC Women’s Soccer Team and 2019 ICCAC Women’s Soccer All-Tournament Team
Exciting, creative player, who loves the game and always has a smile on and off the field. You need a joke she's got one, you need a pick me up she is there, you need a player who works hard and loves the game she is the one.
Head Coach TJ Perez

#1 Maddie Kindred (GK, 5-8, R-Sr., Soldotna, Alaska / Soldotna HS) 

• Named All-NSIC Second Team in 2021
• Played every minute in goal for Minot State in fall of 2021
• Set a single-season school record with 10 shutouts in fall of 2021, is No. in single-season saves (107), and No. 5 in single-season wins (11)
• A transfer from Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa, she has 18 career shutouts in 52 games and 23 career wins

Maddie is a great hard working person. She balances a tough nursing program with her soccer schedule and does amazing in both areas. She is someone that sets the standard in academics and in athletics.
Head Coach TJ Perez

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

The Northern State women’s soccer team looks to continue their upward trajectory in the NSIC under second year head coach Bob Casper, as the Wolves are picked eighth in this year’s NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Casper led a Wolves team that was picked 13th in last year’s preseason coaches’ poll to an eighth place finish and the program’s first NSIC Tournament appearance since 2016 with a record of 7-6-5 (6-4-5 NSIC) in 2021.

Northern brings back a wealth of experience with five of seven players returning after starting all 18 games, including All-NSIC players Lilja Davidsdottir and Megan Fastenau who were selected as NSU’s players to watch this upcoming season. Davidsdottir played a key role on the Wolves defense during a stretch of five consecutive shutouts and added a pair of goals on the offensive side of the ball. Fastenau is coming off a strong freshman campaign where she led the team in points (17) and goals (8) while netting the first hat-trick in program history since 2016 against Concordia-St. Paul.

Northern State will kick-off the 2022 season with a scrimmage at Jamestown on August 13, and the regular season begins with a non-conference match at Montana State Billings on August 25.

We are set to return all but two players from the 2021 team. This is exciting, because after much change in their lives, they have now experienced stability within the program this past academic year. 2021 was the first season above .500 for NSU since 2008, so now we must learn how to navigate a season looking to improve upon those results. Our incoming class is diverse and accomplished, so we are excited to see how they fit into our team throughout preseason. If everyone can buy-in and maintain our focus on the big-picture, I believe they will enjoy pursuing their goals for 2022.
Head Coach Bob Casper
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#24 Megan Fastenau  (F, 5-10, So., Aberdeen, S.D. / Central HS) 

• Named All-NSIC Second Team in 2021
• During the 2021 season, she ranked sixth among NSIC players in goals (8) and seventh in points (17)
• Earned NSIC Offensive Player of the Week honors on October 25, following a pair of game winning goals against Upper Iowa and Winona State
• Recorded a hat-trick on October 1 against Concordia-St. Paul, one of only three by NSIC players last season

Megan brings a great work rate and drive to every training session and game. She plays just as hard defending as she does attacking. She leads by example, and is looked to as a standard setter within our program. She had a great spring by expanding the ways she can contribute in the attack, and she is motivated to improve our offensive output.
Head Coach Bob Casper

#28 Lilja Davidsdottir  (CB, 5-7, Sr., Reykjavik, Iceland / Verzlunarskoli Islands) 

  • Named All-NSIC First Team in 2021
  • Scored two goals, totaling four points on the season, including a game-winner at Wayne State
  • Earned NSIC Defensive Player of the Week honors on October 18, following the Wolves’ third consecutive shutout
  • Played a key role on the NSU defense that recorded a total of five consecutive shutouts and did not surrender a goal over a course of 527:57 minutes of playing time
Lilja is a very calm player, and is very consistent from game-to-game. She can contribute offensively, as well as being the main organizer of our defense. She has been voted a Team Captain for the second consecutive season, and is a player whom everyone looks up to. She made strides this offseason to improve her ball winning.
Head Coach Bob Casper

UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

The Cougars enter the 2022 season with 16 returners as they look to climb the NSIC standings. This season's squad is led by senior defenseman, Bailey Kehrli, and junior defenseman, Kelsey Oswald. During her 2021 campaign, Kehrli was named to the All-NSIC Second Team while tallying a .667 shots on goal percentage with 1,485 playing minutes. Kehrli and Oswald also helped the Cougars hold 14 opponents to two or fewer goals during the 2021 season. Kelsey Oswald tallied 1,559 playing minutes and a 1.0 shots on goal percentage during her sophomore campaign for the Cougars.

The Cougars will open their season at home against Fort Hays State on August 26th at Bob Young Field.

We are really excited about the combination of experienced returners and young talented players that are coming in. This team is very much on the same page with what their expectations are for this season and how they want to reach their goals. They have all put in a lot of work throughout the last year and we are excited to see how that pays off here in a couple weeks.
Head Coach Brittany Domino
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#22 Bailey Kehrli (M, 5-10, Sr., Elkhorn, Neb. / Elkhorn HS) 

  • Named All-NSIC Second team in 2021
  • Started all 18 games with a total of 1,485 minutes played
  • Scored 1 goal and 2 points
  • Attempted 3 shots with 2 on goal for a .667 SOG%
Bailey is one of our returning captains from last year and is really excited about getting a chance to move higher up the field for our team. In the past her role has been more to sit in and connect for our team but this year we will be moving her into an attacking role, and we can't wait to see what that brings for our team. She is an aggressive player that I believe will bring a new dimension to our team's attack.
Head Coach Brittany Domino

#14 Kelsey Oswald (D, 5-6, Jr., Yankton, S.D. / Yankton HS) 

  • Started all 18 matches as a sophomore in 2021
  • Tallied a 1.0 SOG%
  • Played 1,559 minutes during her sophomore season
Kelsey is one of the hardest working players that I have had worked with. She is very motivated and is always looking to improve. Over the last year she has really grown as a player. She is going to be a major contributor for us on both sides of the ball this season. She is an outstanding one on one defender and has really worked on her one-on-one attacking skills over the last year. I think all of her hard work is really going to pay off this fall and we're excited to see that.
Head Coach Brittany Domino

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Southwest Minnesota State soccer program returns 18 letter winners from a youthful 2021 team that finished 4-11-2 overall and 3-10-2 in conference play but closed the season going 3-5-2. First-year head coach Clay Gasgow, fielding a roster that includes a pair of seniors, six juniors, 13 sophomores, and nine freshmen, welcomes back 100% of goal scoring from a year ago, led by Alex Lotts and Abbey Hoisington. Lotts, the junior striker from Champlin, Minn., returns after tying for the team lead with four goals while also leading the team with four assists. Hoisington, the senior forward from Chantilly, Va., scored four goals on 19 shots on goal. Sophomore forward Kirsten Wetterstrom returns after earning All-NSIC second team honors a season ago, scoring three goals on a team-high 32 shots. Senior defender Katie Oatman is back to patrol the back line after leading the team with 1419 minutes played last season. Sophomore Julianne Arballo is the lone returner in net for the Mustangs after going 2-2-1 last season while allowing 1.85 goals against average. 

I am definitely excited for and looking forward to starting this new chapter with an amazing group of young women. The first step is getting to know and establish a positive relationship with each player on the team. Collectively, what I truly admire and love about this team is how much they sincerely care about each other. Everyone's willingness and commitment to make the program better is absolutely astonishing. Creating a positive culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose is very important to us.
Head Coach Clay Glasgow
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#13 Kirsten Wetterstrom (F/M, 5-2, So., Olathe, Kan. / Olathe East HS) 

  • 2021 All-NSIC second team
  • Finished third on the team with three goals and six points
  • Took a team-high 32 shots and was second on the team with 14 shots on goal
  • Scored her first career goal against Minnesota Duluth (10/3)
Kirsten is a very positive and genuine person. She constantly seeks opportunity to create meaningful relationships with her teammates, recruits and the campus community. Kirsten brings a dynamic and creative style of play and loves to run at defenders. She is always looking to penetrate and generate opportunities for her teammates in the final third of the field.
Head Coach Clay Glasgow

#20 Katie Oatman (CB, 5-7,  Sr., Plattsmouth, Neb. / Plattsmouth HS) 

  • Started all 17 matches in 2021 and all 18 matches in 2019
  • Played a team-high 1,419 minutes
  • Collected an assist against Wayne State (10/8)
  • Finished the season with one assist and seven shots with two shots on goal
Katie is a very passionate player. She brings a lot of positive energy to our team environment. She absolutely loves Mustangs Athletics and is always looking to positively influence her teammates. Offensively, she loves to penetrate and connect with the midfielders. Katie possess great leadership qualities and plays a vital role keeping the team organized. Her body language is always positive which illustrates her optimistic mindsets in life.
Head Coach Clay Glasgow

ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

St. Cloud State is coming off a successful 2021 season, as they clinched their spot in the NSIC tournament for the third consecutive season after posting a 7-8-3 overall record during the regular season, and a 7-5-3 mark in NSIC play. The Huskies ended the year on a hot streak, winning four of its last five regular season matches to clinch its sport in the conference tournament. Among SCSU’s returners for the upcoming season is first-team all-conference honoree Karlie Valdez, who became the first Husky since 2008 to earn first team honors since 2008. Valdez started all 18 games for the Huskies last season and recorded eight points on the campaign, three goals, two assists and one game-winning goal. Among other returners include senior Jenna Dominguez, who scored had seven points and two goals, and goalie Evie Kohn, who started all 18 games a season ago and made 68 saves with five shutouts. Other team leaders expected to make significant contributions this season include redshirt senior Emali Ortega-Talamantes, redshirt sophomore Gracie Parsons and redshirt sophomore Juliana Da Silva.

The 2022 fall season brings new opportunity. We're eager and ready to unleash positive energy, make the most of the opportunity to compete everyday, and perform our best. We're excited for our new comers and returners to gel on the field and thrilled to be back at Husky Stadium in front of the best fans in the NSIC!
Head Coach Gretta Arvesen
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#17 Karlie Valdez (M, 5-2,  5th, West Haven, Utah / Fremont HS) 

  • Started all 18 games in 2021, earning NSIC First Team All-Conference honors
  • Scored eight points with three goals and two assists
  • Scored one game-winning goal on the season
  • Had 28 shots and 12 shots-on-goal
In her first season with the Huskies, Karlie was recognized for her talents and earned NSIC First Team All- Conference in 2021. She is a proven performer on the field and in the classroom. Karlie is a biomedical science major, with a 3.86 GPA, and aspirations for a doctorate in physical therapy. Since being on campus, she fully embraced our community. She is a tutor at the Student athlete success center and she consistently shows up to support her fellow Huskies! Karlie’s soccer is clean, simple, and effective. Combine those strengths with her heart and competitive drive – watch out 2022!
Head Coach Gretta Arvesen

#14 Rheana Zerna (D, 5-2, So., St. Michael, Minn. / St. Michael - Albertville HS) 

  • Played in 11 games and made 11 starts for the Huskies
  • Shined on the defensive line for the Huskies in her true freshman season
As a true freshman Rheana became a mainstay in our defensive line. She is an honor student, an early admit into the SCSU nursing degree and maintains a 3.68 GPA. She is a tireless competitor and above all, her love of the game is second to none. She's an all-in, hardworking person, that understands the importance of earning things in life. We're excited for her leadership to shine in 2022.
Head Coach Gretta Arvesen

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY

The Upper Iowa women’s soccer squad is preparing to get the ball rolling for the upcoming 2022 season under the tutelage of Josh Davis, the new Peacock head coach. Last fall, UIU finished with an overall record of 8-9 and a 6-9 mark in the Northern Sun Conference. These records stamp the best in program history since 2014 when the team went 11-7-1 (10-4-1 NSIC). The six conference wins by Upper Iowa are their best since 2016 when they secured seven victories. The Peacocks were energized on the back line by Aimee Sies and Leah Willenbring, who secured six shutouts. The two All-NSIC Second Team honorees and the remainder of the crew began the season with the best program start, holding a 5-0 record (3-0 NSIC). The Peacocks finished 10th in the NSIC standings after initially being voted to place 15th out of 16 teams. 

Willenbring returns to continue pacing Upper Iowa on the defensive end. Additional returners include Katie Samuels, Haley Ramberg, Katrina Kazluski, Toni Powsey and Alex Garcia. Ramberg and Samuels each tallied four goals in the 2021 season. Willenbring led the team with six assists on the season and Samuels followed with three. 

Upper Iowa kicks off the season at home with non-conference play on Aug. 25 when they match up against McKendree University. The team begins conference play Sept. 9 at Southwest Minnesota State University. 

As the new coach coming in the team has truly expressed a desire to be better and do something special. With a strong upper-classmen group and a solid frosh and sophomore group, we are excited to grow both on the field and off as a team. Our first few weeks will be fun to find out where we are at and how we can grow as a team and family. A focus on establishing who we want to be and getting buy-in will be the first step of many before we know what we are truly capable of as a team! Go Peacocks!
Head Coach Joshua Davis
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#22 Haley Ramberg (F, 5-3, Sr., St. Francis, Minn. / Blaine HS) 

  • Scored four goals (tied for team-high) in 2021
  • Led the Peacocks with 34 shots taken including 12 on goal
  • Career total of 9 goals (2018-21) 
  • Earned a spot on the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence
Haley has a great attitude and work rate. Her ability to separate and create space from defenders is something I believe will help her be successful this year. As a captain and team leader, her drive to see the program grow is contagious.
Head Coach Joshua Davis

#2 Leah Willenbring (D, 5-4, Sr., South Saint Paul, Minn. / South Saint Paul HS) 

  • Selected to All-NSIC Second Team
  • Team high of six assists in 2022 (tied for fifth best in NSIC in conference and overall play), including both assists in 2-0 win over MSU Moorhead
  • Recorded five shots, three of which were on target
  • Named to NSIC All-Academic Team
Leah is driven passionate individual! Her desire and drive to see her teammates have success showed in the 2021 campaign. We are excited to have her back for another year and help lead our back line and team.
Head Coach Joshua Davis

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

Wayne State just missed qualifying for the NSIC Tournament last season, placing ninth in the NSIC with 21 points while posting records of 6-8-4 overall and 6-6-3 in league play.  Top returners for the Wildcats include senior defender Chloe Schlines, an All-NSIC Second Team performer last season, who led the team in minutes played (1,629) while anchoring a defense that posted five shutouts.  The team’s top returning scorer is senior midfielder Payton Haliburton, who had three goals and three assists last season.  The top returner in shots is junior midfielder/forward Morgan Rhodes, who had 22 shots and nine shots on goal one year ago.  Other top returning scorers include junior midfielder Annika Syvrud (three goals, one assist) and senior defender Skylar Stueckrath with two goals.  WSC will have three goalkeepers competing for playing time in the net as senior Regan Ott (0-1 in two games), junior Sidney Truman (0-1 in three games) and Grand Canyon transfer Hayden Wallace will battle for the starting spot.  The Wildcats have 10 newcomers who will add depth and compete for playing time immediately.  Wayne State opens the 2022 season at home on Friday, August 26th hosting Northwest Missouri State at 3 p.m. 

I am excited about our returning group of players along with our new players for this season. There will be depth in every position and I believe this will create a positive and competitive environment. Overall, this group is hungry to continue to improve and grow. We are looking to build from last year and I can’t wait to see our team compete this Fall.
Head Coach Emily Hester
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#3 Morgan  Rhodes (M/F, 5-2, Jr., Omaha, Neb. /  Millard West HS) 

  • Started 17 games last season
  • Fifth on team in minutes played (1,271)
  • Top returner in shots with 22
  • Played 110 minutes in three games
Morgan is a very versatile player for our team. She contributes to our offense regardless of the position she is playing on the field. She is competitive and hardworking which is infectious to everyone around her. Morgan will continue to be a key player within our team this fall.
Head Coach Emily Hester

#14 Chloe Schlines (D, 5-9, Sr., Council Bluffs, Iowa / Lewis Central HS) 

  • All-NSIC Second Team defender last season
  • Led team in minutes played with 1,629 minutes
  • Anchored WSC defense that recorded five shutouts
  • Scored goal in 3-2 win at SMSU (10/8/21)
Chloe is coming off an excellent 2021 season where she was a key contributor to our defensive unit. She is consistent, composed, and competitive which helps our team be successful. Chloe is also very dedicated to her academics. We look forward to the impact she continues to have on our team.
Head Coach Emily Hester

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

The 2022 Winona State University women’s soccer season is just around the corner and this year’s edition of the Warriors is anxious to get started.  Head coach Matt Kellogg embarks on his fifth season at WSU and welcomes back a veteran group, as well as some talented newcomers to the team.  Winona State is looking to put last year’s 4-13-1 season in the rearview mirror quickly and will have a handful of scrimmages and exhibitions to fine tune the squad before the first regular season on Friday, August 26 at the University of Nebraska - Kearney. 

In the preseason coaches’ poll Winona State was picked to finish ninth.  Riley Harmon is the WSU attacking player to watch and Bailey Deininger is the defensive player to watch for WSU, as named by the NSIC. 

Harmon has experience under her belt with 33 games played in her career, most often as the lead striker in the WSU attack. The Mundelein, Ill. product has scored six times in her career and notched an assist last year.  Deininger, from Hartland, Wis., has been the defensive lynchpin for the Warrior backline, with the central defender also logging 33 games in her career so far. Both veterans are a part of a Warrior roster that features 14 players with two or more college seasons of experience. 

Also new to the sideline this fall is Jill Leibforth, who will serve as Kellogg’s top assistant. Leibforth lands in Winona after a strong playing and coaching stint at Loras College.  Winona State is looking to take the pitch with a Warrior mindset this fall and will have to battle early in a schedule that features seven matches on the road to the start the campaign.  After their Aug. 20 exhibition against the University of Southern Indiana, WSU won’t be home again until their Sunday, Sept. 23 match-up with Minot State.  

I’m really excited about this year’s team because I think we have a really great blend of returners and new players, that we haven’t had in a few years. I also know that this group has put a lot of work into our team culture and mindset over the last year, so I’m excited to see the payoff for all of that hard work in the offseason
Head Coach Matt Kellogg
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#6 Riley Harmon (F, 5-5, 5th, Mundelein, Ill. / Carmel Catholic HS)

  • Has taken the pitch 33 times for Winona State
  • Led a defense that notched three shutouts in 2021
  • Was also the 2021 WSU Defender to Watch
  • Logged 1,273 minutes last year, most of any returning player
  • Named a team captain
Riley wants to succeed individually, but more than that she wants her team and teammates to succeed. Time and time again Riley makes decisions that put the team's best interest before her own. Riley is a very talented player, but it's her work ethic that allows her skills to shine through.
Head Coach Matt Kellogg

#27 Bailey Deininger (D, 5-7, Sr., Hartland, Wis. / Arrowhead HS) 

  • Appeared in 33 contests in her Warrior career
  • Had a team-leading four goals last season
  • Also notched an assist, collecting nine points overall in 2021
  • Put 19 of her 28 total shots on target last year
  • Also named a team captain
Bailey is entering her fourth season this fall and has clearly emerged as the heart and soul of our team’s defense. She is impact player not just because of her athleticism, but also with her soccer IQ and ability to organize players around her. Bailey’s work rate and commitment to the team are second to none, and it’s very clear that she puts the best interest of the team above her own. She truly has a “team before me” mentality.
Head Coach Matt Kellogg
2022 NSIC Soccer Composite Schedule
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