Pioneer Women's Soccer Prepare for Home Opener

Pioneer Women's Soccer has hit the ground running full speed ahead; completing the 2017 season as the #3 team in the country and the 2018 season as the #2 team in the country.  The 2019 team has only one goal in mind. To win a National Championship. The new season comes with several changes. Coach Brad "Damon" Amey enters this season as the sole Head Coach on the program. In years past the program coaching staff shared this title as Co Head coaches with now Associate Head Coach Paul Stenglein. When Coach Amey was asked about the official title change he stated "I feel like I have been in the role for a while now. Expectations remain the same. The goal is to win a National Championship."

This season the team is returning eight sophomore student-athletes on a team of 23 ladies. Coach Amey shared that "these eight ladies have an amazing level of maturity and understanding and have excelled at passing that knowledge on to the freshman." Losing the only sophomore goalie to a once in a life time experience the team has two freshman stepping into the goalie role. There isn't worry coming from the sideline as Coach Amey explained "The Freshman goalies are playing at an extremely high levels, which allows the team to not miss a step."

Sophomore holding and attacking mid McKenna Fluder and sophomore attacking mid Hunter Kukla shared their thoughts so far this season.

When asked the differences from last season to this season McKenna stated "the team and the athletic department is more united." Hunter shared "there has been more team bonding and more focus on being a well-rounded student-athlete."

As a leader McKenna looks to keep the team informed and teach along the way. Hunter focuses on the team slogan "Green Means Go."

Freshman outside forward Emerson Lynch and freshman center defender Alex Heeke discussed what they have gained thus far since joining the pioneer family.

Ema shared that she has learned time management skills through study hall, classes, practice, and travel. While understanding the importance of effective communication.  

Alex stated that not everyone is the same as you. You can all be different and make it all work together.

One common theme from everyone is the goal to win a National Championship. The pioneers have a big game on Wednesday facing off against Schoolcraft for the first time this season. Coach Amey tells the ladies "We are only competing against ourselves. We don't let anyone affect how we play." Coach Amey explains that he holds the ladies to a high standard. Never disrespecting any other team or their talent but giving the understanding that if they work hard their work ethic will pay off in the end.

Motivational words from the sophomores heading into Wednesday's game:

Start Strong! Finish Strong! –McKenna Fluder

Leave it all on the field! - Hunter Kukula

Pioneer women's soccer currently has a record of 5-0. Defeating Jackson College 5-1, Muskegon Community College 3-1, Lake Michigan College 6-0, Kellogg Community College 8-0 and Ancilla College 15-0.

Women's Soccer who is currently ranked #2 in the Nation is back in action Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 4:30 pm versus league rival Schoolcraft.  This game will also be Alumni Night welcoming all Pioneer Women's Soccer alumni back to support the new generation.