By The Keystone Newspaper Team enters the season with 11 new players
By Gianna Failla
After finishing with a 12-5-6 record, the KU women’s soccer team was picked third in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Division preseason poll. The Golden Bears, last season’s PSAC championship runners-up, are aiming for the top spot this fall.
Senior defender Skyler Jordan (#13) provided some insight as to their preparation for this year’s intended victory.
“Every year we set the goal to win a PSAC championship, and while we made it to the finals last season, we still have yet to achieve that goal,” Jordan said. “This season is all about remaining disciplined and executing the details necessary to return us to a championship game and win a ring.”
Photo Credit: Christopher Hemerly
Despite facing the challenge of having a small roster and having to fill 11 new spots this season, the players have taken this in stride. Junior midfielder Maura Day (#19) gave her thoughts on how they have adapted to these changes.
“The new players bring a lot of energy and talent, while our returners have really stepped up as leaders. Practices have become more intentional, with a strong focus on building trust and understanding on the field to help us succeed as a unit,” she said. “There’s something special about this group, and we’re all eager to see what this season brings!”
KU Athletics has implemented Morgan’s Message, a nonprofit organization that works to break down the stigma around mental health among student-athletes and promote equal care for both physical and mental health in sports. Its goal is to normalize conversations about mental health, encourage those who are struggling quietly to speak up, and provide support for anyone who feels isolated.
Their upcoming home opener game will represent Morgan’s Message. The game will be on Wednesday, Sept. 10 against Millersville at Keystone Field.
Senior forward Caroline McDonald (#11) expresses the meaning behind this game and the impact it will leave not only on her team, but on various student athletes.
“We are especially excited for the upcoming Morgan’s Message game as it brings attention to mental health in sports. Executing at a high level, consistently, is not only physically challenging, but also mentally and emotionally,” McDonald said. “By breaking the stigma around these conversations, we hope to not only improve our performance on the field, but the overall experience as student athletes.”
KU will open its season in a non-conference game at Concord on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 2 p.m.