The Seattle University women's soccer program returns to the field behind a veteran roster, ready to continue to compete at the NCAA Division I level. After concluding their inaugural season of DI play in 2008, the Redhawks look to build upon their 12-5-3 overall record and continue to establish themselves as a prominent women's soccer program.
Leading the charge is head coach Julie Woodward, who returns for her 13th season at the helm of the SU women's soccer program. Returning for his second season is assistant coach Rich Schreiner, and joining the team in 2009 is Allison Tenney, who will focus on being the team's fitness coach. SeattleU also welcomes volunteer assistant goalkeeping coach Katie Hultin to round out the staff.
"Last season we established a culture of commitment to playing at the Division I level," said Woodward. "This program is all about the players. Everyday they are out there working hard, committed to improving and I am excited to see their hard work translate into success this year."
The Redhawks return to the pitch with 14 letterwinners and seven starters from 2008, and welcome 10 newcomers. Behind the veteran leadership of senior tri-captains Jamie Coe (Duvall, Wash.), Kate Edstrom (Portland, Ore.) and Jamie Peterson (Bellevue, Wash.), SeattleU looks forward to their 18-game season against all Division I opponents.
Forward Coe, who lit up the offense last season with a team-high 11 goals, is on pace to cement herself in the top-10 all-time Redhawk goal scorers. She will look to combine again with junior midfielder Kara Kuttler (Redmond, Wash.), who had a team-leading seven assists, to continue to ignite the SU offensive prowess.
On the other end of the field, defender Edstrom will manage the backline for her final season. The Oregonian has started in every game of her SU career and helped lead the team to a .770 winning percentage. Between the posts, sophomore goalkeeper Madison Goverde (Snohomish, Wash.) looks to build upon her six-shutout freshman campaign and establish herself as a consistent wall in goal.
The team welcomes back forward Sarah Dean (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho), who missed the 2008 season with an injury, and second season players Nance Hill (Mercer Island, Wash.), Kassandra Riozzi (Marysville, Wash.) and Jordan Salisbury (Federal Way, Wash.). The trio became instant contributors in their first season with the Redhawks in 2008, as they started and played in all 20 contests.
This season Woodward signed 10 new players to the team, including junior goalkeeper Liz Homer from Walla Walla Community College. The team adds the most depth in the midfield, as eight of the nine freshmen are experienced midfielders. The freshmen class boasts versatile field players, who have resumes chalk full of club and ODP experience.
Woodward and the Redhawks will take the field for their home and season opener on Friday, Aug. 21, versus Boise State at 5 p.m. Two days later, SU will return to Championship Field to take on Idaho in a match slated for noon before taking to the road for their first road trip of 2009.