It is that time of year again. With everyone moved in, all sports have started their freshmen accustomed to the team. For most of the freshmen, this is going to be a big change from high school.

For the KU women’s soccer team, this is a transition that they have been waiting for.

The women’s team is bringing in a total of 16 new players this coming season, adding to the 18 other players from the previous season. With a 34 player roster, head coach Erik Burstein remains optimistic about the upcoming season, believing that that with a mix of new freshmen, and the guidance of older players, the team will be in for a victorious year.

This is not the first time that the team has held over 30 players. According to an article written by the Sports Information Director Bryan Salvadore, back in 2011 the girls’ team had 35 players and still managed to advance to the PSAC Championship game.

Burstein, entering his seventh season as head coach, has a lot of experience with this team, and has effectively used that to point the team in the winning direction. With an impressive career record of 78-35-11 with the team, Burstein already has a plan of attack for coming up with that season winning formula.

“The depth in our team this year far exceeds what we have had in our past.” said Burstein. “Our returning players look great, and the freshmen have all proven they have the ability to step in and perform at the level we expect.”

The team does face a grueling schedule. They begin with an opener on September 5 against East Stroudsburgand Philadelphia on the same day. Later this month they face different teams ranging from Millersville, Southern New Hampshire, West Chester, West Virginia State among others. Many of these games are on the same day and could exhaust and even overwhelm the freshmen.

Despite these challenges, Burstein remains hopeful that the team will score a winning season for KU, and even after the season is over, the women’s soccer team won’t stop there. 

“Although we face a very challenging schedule, I have great faith in the players we have, and there is no question we will remain competitive throughout the year,” Burnstein said.