The 2022 Kalamazoo College women's soccer team will begin its season on September 1, on the road against Ohio Wesleyan. The Hornets will look to build on top of their 10-6 finish from the 2021 season, which included a 4-4 MIAA record. Preseason camp began on August 18 and will go through August 31 before starting the regular season.
Schedule Breakdown
- After beginning the season on the road, the home opener is scheduled for September 3 at MacKenzie Field against Millikin at 11 a.m.
- Five of the following six matches will be on the road to conclude non-conference play and begin MIAA play at Alma on September 27 at 4 p.m.
- The Hornets' conference opener is scheduled for October 1 against Albion at 7 p.m.
- Other MIAA home contests include Hope, Olivet, and Calvin, while Trine, Saint Mary's, and Adrian are also on the road.
- The last regular season game will also be at Adrian on October 22, beginning at 3 p.m.
Roster Breakdown
- Kalamazoo brings back 17 players from the 2021 squad and will add another six new members for 23 total in 2022.
- That includes five forwards, nine midfielders, seven defenders, and two goalkeepers.
- Three seniors will lead a team of nine juniors, five sophomores, and six freshmen.
Returning Statistical Leaders
- The 2021 All-MIAA Second Team member Destiny Garcia returns after leading the Hornets with 16 points, four assists, and four game-winning goals while scoring six goals total.
- Also returning is Sophia Timm-Blow, who totaled three goals and four assists for 10 points and had a game-winner in her first year playing collegiate soccer.
- In net, Lexi Nesbitt had a 6-1 record that included four shutouts, 44 saves, a 0.85 goals-against average, and a .880 save percentage in 638 minutes.
- On the front line, the Hornets return three forwards in Timm-Blow, Cassidy Short, and Holly Bowling, who saw significant time last season.
- Another three return as midfielders with Garcia, Savera Rajendra-Nicolucci, and Anna Murphy.
- Maddie Coffman, Alexis Petty, Erin Somsel, and Amalia Scorsone all come back after playing on the back line.
Stepping Up
- Along with the three returning forwards and midfielders from 2021, Sydney Hagaman will see time in both positions in an increased role after playing nine matches last season.
- Murphy did appear in 15 matches last season but will be called upon to be a key member in the midfield.
- Building depth in the back line will be crucial, with Somsel and Lucy Cripe being individuals that will look to take a step forward.
- As for the newcomers, Ellie Andrews should provide an offensive spark, and Mara Krupka brings an element of speed to the attack.
- Mia Crites is a skilled midfielder that looks to push the ball forward, plus Elle Bernas and Anni Schnell both will see critical minutes in the back line.
- In goal, Elana Mitchell provides much-needed depth after two of the three goalkeepers departed following last season.
Head Coach Bryan Goyings
Coach Goyings returns for his 15th season as head coach of the Hornet women's soccer team. Goyings holds the school record for most overall victories (135) while winning 57% of his games. He has taken Kalamazoo to 10 MIAA Tournaments and has seen 26 players receive All-MIAA recognition.
Quoting Coach Goyings
"I was proud of how the returning group responded to a challenging spring season. It was great to see several players build on that solid foundation, so we were ready to hit the ground running this season. They have a sense of purpose and precise determination. We have made tremendous progress as a group from previous seasons, but we still have a lot of work to meet our full potential. Being part of one of the most competitive women's soccer conferences in NCAA Division III is very exciting. Last season, the MIAA had three teams qualify for the NCAA postseason in Hope, Calvin, and Trine, not including a good Albion team that finished second in the conference. I know the women look forward to the challenges ahead of us and are excited to continue the development of this team."