Gopher women's soccer building off momentum from last season to find more success
The Gopher women's soccer team kicks off its season on Thursday night at home against a Big 12 powerhouse, BYU.
They're entering this new season with a lot in their favor. Head coach Erin Chastain is starting her fifth year with the team, after signing a contract extension through 2028.
"I love Minnesota. I played here. This is home for me, so I think the fact that our administration supports us and supports me, really just makes my job easier when I come to work everyday," said Chastain.
The Gophers are planning to build off of last season's success, making it to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, and an undefeated regular season at home.
New captains Caroline Birdsell and Kate Childers say the standard set last year will carry over this fall.
"We knew we could win any game, and we're going to bring that this year because obviously it worked out last year," said Birdsell.
"I think some words we like to live by are 'Relentless,' just in every game, every practice, workout," said Childers.
One adjustment this season is the Gophers are working with a roster of 13 new players, after losing half of the team to graduation and the transfer portal.
"I wouldn't consider that a bad thing. I think that we have enough returners that our core values and the team we are will not change," said Birdsell.
"We also had a lot of younger players waiting in the wings and learning and competing, so I think they're ready to show what they're capable of, so we're excited to see their hard work pay off," said Chastain.
Home opener is Thursday at 7 p.m. at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium in St. Paul.