The UNK soccer team has had its struggles over the years, but as the calendar turns to the 2024 fall sports season, the Lopers and third-year coach Rob Breton said they are excited for what this new year could bring.
With this year now being year three under Breton, he says the excitement level continues to build.
“They just have brought out this different energy in me and in each other every single day in practice,” Breton said. “It’s making that much more exciting because when they compete, they’re not taking it personally. It’s challenging each other. We’re creating the environment we want, so let’s see if we can make some winners out of them.”
UNK finished 3-13-2 in 2023, which was three more wins than they had in 2022. This year’s team will also feature a good mix of both returners and newcomers.
The Lopers welcome in 10 new players including a pair of Division 1 transfers, along with 14 returners. Of the returners, seniors Dolcie Hanlon and Katie Pagel were both all-MIAA selections last season.
Six freshmen will also be a part of this year’s roster. The transfers are also expected to make a big impact for UNK this season, including players like Kansas State transfer Keila Gillispie and Midland transfer Hanna Schimmer.
Breton said the newcomers have done a nice job adjusting.
“They meshed in right away,” Breton said. “That’s the hardest part of having such a short preseason is expecting that they’re going to pick up everything right away.”
With the healthy mix of newcomers and returners, Breton said they could be deep at every position.
“It’s great for rotations when we’re playing different teams because we can match up different groups,” Breton said. “At the end of the day, until we get to games, it’s just something that’s kind of a dream and we’ll see how it works out.”
UNK will start the season Sep. 6 at Sioux Falls.
