Welcome to App State Women’s Soccer, a team with a rich history and a bright future. This program has established itself as a powerhouse in collegiate soccer, competing at the highest level year after year. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the team, this post will provide you with everything you need to know about App State Women’s Soccer, from its history to its current players and coaches, and even its future outlook and expectations. So buckle up and get ready to learn all about this incredible program!
Introduction to App State Women’s Soccer
App State Women’s Soccer is one of the most exciting sports program offered by Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. The program is dedicated to developing student-athletes who can succeed both academically and on the field. The team’s focus on creating a strong community and family-like environment has led to great success both on and off the field.
The program emphasizes on building well-rounded individuals who pursue academic excellence and tackles challenges with discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Student-athletes train in a state-of-the-art athletic center and enjoy the supportive environment of coaches, professors, and teammates.
| The App State Women’s Soccer Team Characteristics |
|---|
| – Competes in the NCAA Division I |
| – They are part of the Sun Belt Conference, one of the strongest conferences in the country |
| – The program was established in 1995 and has since produced some of the best women’s soccer teams in the country. |
The team’s coaches believe that academics and athletics should complement and not contradict each other. As such, they encourage players to develop academic, social, and athletic skills that will help them succeed in every aspect of their lives. This approach has produced excellent scholars and athletes who have gone on to lead successful careers.
Overall, the App State Women’s Soccer program stands out for its excellence both on and off the field. It is a true reflection of the high standards of the university and its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders and athletes.
History of App State Women’s Soccer
Appalachian State University (App State) Women’s Soccer program has a rich and fascinating history. The program began in 1996, and since then, it has become one of the most successful programs in the Southern Conference.
From 1996 to 2006, the Mountaineers won four regular-season conference championships, as well as two conference tournament championships. During this period, the team had several standout players, including Michelle Lemay, who was a four-time All-Conference player, and Melissa Ott, who was a three-time All-Conference Player.
In 2007, the team joined the Southern Conference, and they wasted no time making their mark. In 2011, the team made it to the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history. They made it to the second round of the tournament, where they played against the University of Virginia.
| Year | Record | Conference Record | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 9-7-4 | 5-3-3 | Andre Luciano |
| 2008 | 11-6-1 | 9-2-0 | Andre Luciano |
| 2009 | 10-5-4 | 7-2-2 | Andre Luciano |
Since then, the App State Women’s Soccer program has continued to build on their success. In particular, head coach Sarah Strickland has played a major role in the team’s recent accomplishments. Under her leadership, the team has set several records, including most wins in a season (12) and most conference wins in a season (6).
Overall, the history of App State Women’s Soccer is a story of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. From their early days in the Big South Conference to their current success in the Sun Belt Conference, the program has come a long way, and there’s no doubt that there are many exciting things to come in the future.
Current Players and Coaches
Currently, the App State Women’s Soccer team is a force to be reckoned with. The team consists of talented players who are coached by some of the best in the business. These players and coaches work tirelessly to ensure that the team performs at the highest level possible.
The current head coach of the App State Women’s Soccer team is Sarah Strickland. Strickland has been the head coach since 2015, and in that time, she has led the team to many victories. She is a highly respected coach in the world of college soccer, and her experience and expertise have been instrumental in the team’s success.
Some notable players on the current App State Women’s Soccer team include Izzi Wood, Taylor Currie, and Taylor Spruill. Wood is a midfielder who has been a key player for the team for the past several years. Currie and Spruill are both forwards who have proven to be formidable opponents for opposing defenses. These players, along with the rest of the team, work together to execute Strickland’s game plan and achieve success on the field.
| Player | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Izzi Wood | Midfielder | Senior |
| Taylor Currie | Forward | Junior |
| Taylor Spruill | Forward | Senior |
The coaching staff and players of the App State Women’s Soccer team share a dedication to hard work and excellence. They strive to continue achieving success while representing the university with pride. With the leadership of Coach Strickland and the talent of the players, the future is bright for this team.
Notable Achievements and Records
Appalachian State University has witnessed some incredible moments in its Women’s Soccer history, and the following are some of the achievements and records that have put the team on the national map.
Conference Titles and NCAA Appearances
The App State Women’s Soccer team has been a dominant force in the Sun Belt Conference, winning the regular-season championship nine times and the conference tournament five times since joining the conference in 2014. They have qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice, in 2009 and in 2021, and made a memorable run to the Sweet 16 in 2009.
Individual Achievements
Several individual players have made history with the Mountaineers, including standouts Sam Childress and Jane Cline. Childress holds the record for most career goals with 24, and Cline is the all-time leader in points with 63. Other notable achievements include goalkeeper Sarah Beth Anderson’s record for most shutouts in a single season with nine, and midfielder Meggie Graham’s record for most assists in a single season with nine.
National Recognition
The team has also received national recognition for their outstanding performances. In 2009, the Mountaineers were ranked as high as No. 17 in the NSCAA National Poll, and were one of the last eight teams standing in the NCAA Tournament, earning them the title of “Cinderella Team” by ESPN. In 2019, the team received the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award for maintaining a team GPA of 3.0 or higher, proving that they are dedicated both academically and athletically.
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Sun Belt Conference Regular Season Champions |
| 2009 | Sun Belt Conference Tournament Champions |
| 2009 | NCAA Sweet 16 |
| 2019 | United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award |
| 2021 | Sun Belt Conference Tournament Champions |
These notable achievements and records are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the App State Women’s Soccer program. With a bright future ahead, the Mountaineers will undoubtedly continue to make history on the national stage.
Future Outlook and Expectations
As App State Women’s Soccer looks ahead to the future, there are several reasons for fans to be excited. The program has made significant strides in recent years and has the potential to become a powerhouse in the conference and beyond. Additionally, there are several key players returning next season, as well as some promising recruits who will join the team. Finally, the coaching staff has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing players and building a winning culture, which bodes well for the program’s future success.
One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the return of several key players. Among them is forward Emma McGovern, who was named to the All-Sun Belt First Team last season. McGovern led the team with 10 goals and was a constant threat to opposing defenses. Additionally, midfielder Sarah Strickland and defender Izzy Brown were both named to the All-Sun Belt Second Team. Strickland was a key contributor in midfield, while Brown anchored the defense. With these players returning, the team should be strong in both attack and defense.
| Another reason for optimism is the incoming recruiting class. The coaching staff has brought in several talented players who have the potential to make an immediate impact. Among them are midfielder Lily Schneider and forward Kaylie Prince. Schneider was a standout player in high school and could provide some creativity and flair in midfield. Prince, meanwhile, is a dynamic forward who has a nose for goal. With these players joining the team, the coaching staff will have more depth to work with and the potential to create different game plans. |
Finally, the coaching staff has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing players and building a winning culture. Head coach Sarah Strickland has been with the program for several years and has been instrumental in its recent success. She has assembled a talented coaching staff who are dedicated to helping players improve on and off the field. With this commitment to development and a focus on teamwork and culture, the program should continue to thrive in the years to come.
Overall, the future looks bright for App State Women’s Soccer. With key players returning, talented recruits joining the team, and a strong coaching staff in place, the program has the potential to achieve significant success in the conference and beyond. Fans should be excited for what is to come and should continue to support the team as it strives for greatness.