Grand Valley State University’s womens soccer team has made it to four straight national final fours, and if senior goalkeeper Abbey Miller (2010 Heritage graduate) has anything to say about it, the Lady Lakers will make a return visit this season.
“Last year, the chemisty was good; everybody worked hard at practice,” she said. “We all had that common goal to go far for the season. This year we plan on doing the same thing… go back to the final four and hopefully get the win to get to the national championship game.”
The Lakers finished 20-2-3 last season and won the GLIAC with an 11-1-1 record. Miller appeared in four games last year, making five saves and giving up one goal.
GVSU, entering the season ranked second in the nation, returns 14 letter winners from last year, including Miller, Kayla Kimble, Juane Odendall, Charlie Socia, and Tayler Ward.
“We have eight incoming freshmen, and I’m excited to see what they bring to the table and to get to know them as teammates,” Miller said. “I’m hoping to have a big leadership role in the back of the field and communicate with my teammates in front of me.”
Tech eyes another strong season
Michigan Technological University also finished 11-1-1 in GLIAC play last year. It will be led by seniors Kaitlyn Boelter (defense), Sarah Hielsberg (defense), Lindsey Van Rooy (midfield, 14 career goals), Katie Pappas (defense), and Katie Boardman (forward, 16 career goals).
Findlay Strong
The University of Findlay also had a strong season last year, going 8-4-1 in GLIAC play. It returns seniors Kelsea Corns (three shutouts last year), Katie Burke (midfield), Lauren Marcum (defense), Ann Eichman (midfield, six career goals), Sarah Silone (forward, nine career goals), and Nicole Williams (defense).