SEATTLE – Seattle University women’s soccer is a program with high expectations. It has won seven total Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championships since 2013. After missing out on hardware last year, the Redhawks will look to return to the postseason in 2018.
In 2017, SU nearly won its second straight WAC Tournament title, as Utah Valley advanced in penalties to take the crown. Seattle U’s appearance in the final set a conference record, as it has played in five straight WAC Championship games. Coach Julie Woodward guided the Redhawks to an eighth straight winning campaign.
Woodward begins her 22nd season at the helm of the program. She has brought in 12 freshmen to attempt to overcome the loss of a nine-player senior class, including 2017-18 Seattle University Female Student-Athlete of the Year Stephanie Spiekerman.
SU returns a variety of key contributors, including defenders Rachel Bowler and Hannah Carrothers, who were both selected Preseason All-WAC this month. Olivia Ovenell, a senior captain, started 10 games at centerback last year, giving the Redhawks a strong core on the back line. Sophomore Mikaela Morey and junior Kelsey Vogel will compete for time next to Ovenell, while freshman Gina Leete will push for time on the outside. Junior transfer Tori Morton and freshmen Sabrina Nava and Claire Varden will provide depth for the Redhawks.
“I have high expectations for the defense,” said Woodward. “It’s a group that has experience together. I expect a lot of leadership and tone-setting from the defense.”
Jessie Ray (eight goals) and Leahi Manthei (seven goals) led the team in scoring last season. They’ll be in the mix up front in 2018, while freshman Paige Malm has impressed in preseason, scoring in SU’s exhibition against Trinity Western last week. Freshmen Brianna Robles and Sebelle Rojas will also see time at forward in 2018. Another freshman, Lauren Brown, will miss the season due to injury.
“We have returning veteran players at forward,” said Woodward. “I think we’ll have some different dynamics this year.”
Isabelle Butterfield is back for her fifth season, anchoring a solid midfield unit. Kelsey Eagle, Laura Hooper, Holly Rothering, and Emily Zimmer join Butterfield as veteran presences this season. Freshmen Dakota Cameron, Bailey Hall, Lauren Hudson, and Julia Humphreys will work for field time this year.
“We’ll see a lot of competition at midfield,” said Woodward. “We have experienced players and multiple freshmen who will compete on a daily basis for time.”
Mackenzie Curry and Ashley Routh split goalkeeping duties in 2017. Curry started 14 games, while Routh started six, including the last five of the season as Seattle U made its run to the conference finals. Freshman Ariana Romero will compete in goal as well.
“We have a good group in goal,” said Woodward. “Each player brings something different skill-wise.”
Seattle U faces a strong schedule, including the 2018 opener at No. 21 Washington State on Friday night. After a visit to Eastern Washington this weekend, the Redhawks open a seven-game homestand, highlighted by a game against Washington on Sept. 16.
SU heads to Portland on Sept. 23 and then starts WAC play. California Baptist, Grand Canyon, Chicago State, and Kansas City come to Championship Field, while the Redhawks travel to CSU Bakersfield, New Mexico State, UTRGV, and Utah Valley in league action.