Wheeling University Women’s Soccer Prepares for Promising 2025 Season
Wheeling, W. Va. – The 2025 Fall Sports Media Day at Wheeling Athletics featured Head Women’s Soccer Coach Ryan Wall, who emphasized the team’s ambition to not only participate but to compete aggressively in the Mountain East Conference (MEC). Although the Cardinals face the challenge of replacing several veteran players from their 2024 roster, the return of promising young talent is a source of optimism as they prepare for the upcoming season.
2024 Season Recap
Last season, the Cardinals experienced an inconsistent journey, starting with two losses in non-conference play. A breakthrough came when they secured their first conference win against Point Park, followed by a series of four defeats, placing them at 1-4 entering October. However, a turning point arrived on October 6th during their match against Davis & Elkins, where they triumphed 2-1. This victory spurred a late surge, allowing the team to secure the #4 seed in the MEC North Division. Unfortunately, they faced the top-seeded University of Charleston in the first round of the tournament, resulting in a 7-0 loss that concluded their season.
Key Players and Rising Stars
A major blow for the Cardinals was the departure of their leading goal-scorer, Mary DiFonzo. Nonetheless, sophomore Lily Hanna is poised to step up as a new leader. In her freshman season, Hanna showcased her talent, tying for the team lead with nine goals, along with two assists for a total of 20 points. Notably, she began her college career by scoring in the season opener against Lincoln. Her contributions earned her a spot on the MEC All-Freshman team and a Second Team All-MEC honor. Additionally, Hanna led the conference in shots taken (72) and tied for the most shots on target (37).
Joining Hanna in the offensive lineup is Nyah Smith, a fellow standout who earned a position on the MEC All-Freshman team in 2023. Smith continued to excel during the 2024 season, tallying four goals and eight points with a notable .680 shooting percentage. Another key player, Theresah Markwei, demonstrated exceptional efficiency despite not scoring; she registered one assist and boasted a .720 shots on goal percentage while contributing to a strong defense that limited opponents to three goals or fewer in 14 of 16 matches.
Fresh Talent and New Faces
This year, Coach Wall welcomes a group of eight freshmen, eager to make their mark. Jeanery Diaz, a newcomer from Santiago, Dominican Republic, has made a strong impression during preseason games, bringing a championship mentality following her previous victories with club teams. On the defensive end, graduate goalkeeper Akyla Walcott joins the squad from Milligan University, where she recorded a career-high 120 saves last season. The integration of these new players is vital for the Cardinals as they aim to cultivate a competitive environment.
Looking Ahead: MEC Predictions and Schedule
Ranked as the #5 team in the MEC North Division, the Cardinals are determined to surpass expectations. Their season opens with two non-conference matches against Florida Southern College and Lourdes University on September 6th and 7th, respectively. These contests will set the stage for their MEC campaign, commencing on September 13th with an away game against Point Park. The Cardinals have a demanding schedule, playing only three home games in September, two of which are MEC matches. However, they will enjoy a more favorable timeframe with six of their final eleven games at home as they strive for a coveted MEC Tournament spot.
The Wheeling University Women’s Soccer team is set to launch their 2025 season against Florida Southern College on Saturday, September 6th, at noon.
