Although the women’s and men’s varsity soccer teams have continued to astound fans with both of their seasons thus far, the women’s club soccer has also been in winning form. Two days after tryouts ended and the official roster had been established, a group of 20 unacquainted girls traveled to play together for the first time as a team against UNC Wilmington.
After a grueling 89 minutes in the sun, freshman Nicolette Robinson scored a last-minute goal, beating the Wilmington Hawks 1-0. Ever since, the Demon Deacons have left each of their opponents with a similar fate, beating teams such as Appalachian State and High Point University, both with scores of 3-0.
This year, the women’s club soccer team also played UNC’s top-level team, which in past seasons has beaten Wake Forest’s club team consistently. Although UNC was a tough competitor, the Demon Deacons tied them 1-1, proving that they should be in the mix for a national ranking as well.
Freshman Kate Gruber said, “As a first-year, I didn’t know what to expect when it came to playing a talented team like UNC. Overall, I was incredibly proud of the way we competed and gave Chapel Hill a run for their money.”
With leadership from both sophomore coaches Charles Cadena and Noah Ontjes, who are members of the men’s club soccer team, as well as senior captains Gabi Casado and Kristin Smith, the team is not only undefeated but has a promising future ahead.
After comparing this season to past club seasons, Casado said, “This club soccer season has been one like no other. We have seen great commitment in our players and that in turn has led to great results.”
For the first time in many years, the women’s club soccer team has the opportunity to travel out of state to a tournament hosted by Clemson. There, they will be able to play club teams such as University of Kentucky, Georgia University and the University of South Florida.
Casado also stated that she “looks forward to attending this prestigious soccer tournament in the upcoming weekend in which the club has never done in the fall.”
With many chances for success and the anticipation for a shot at regionals, the women’s club soccer team has a promising season to finish off.
