In just under a week, the Idaho Vandals women’s soccer team will lace up their cleats, get under the bright lights of the P1FCU Kibbie Dome and welcome the Washington State Cougars for the opening game of their five-game spring season.
The defending Big Sky champions open their spring looking to prepare players physically and mentally for the fall season.
“Spring is just a good time for our players to develop work on things, focus on areas, and build confidence,” Head Coach Jeremy Clevenger said.
“This spring has an emphasis on the development of the younger players. However, when we get to games, it will be a mixture, putting players in a position to be successful, and you don’t want to have all freshmen out there or you really want to mix it up where you get a good balance between the groups. I think that’s the best way for players to grow.”
The Vandals, coming off a Big Sky championship and an NCAA tournament, will have to replace key parts of that championship team, with outside back Maya Hamilton graduating and midfielder Jayd Sprague transferring to the University of Oregon for her last collegiate season.
Hamilton and Sprague were critical members of the Vandals over their careers and will be tough to replace.
“Jayd was a special player for us. When a player like that leaves the program, you need people to step up,” he said. “I think one person that is stepping up for us, and she’s a freshman, …Sarah Rogers. She has had a great spring and in practices and I’m looking forward to her getting her opportunity on the field and growing.”
Having leaders on the team is extremely important to bring experience and mentor the young players during the spring, according to Clevenger. Having leaders like senior forward Maddy Lasher, senior midfielder Margo Schoesler and senior Alyssa Peters will be helpful.
“They’re amazing leaders. They’re amazing people. We’ve built the success in championships through them and others on the team,” Clevenger said. “They’re just great to have during the spring, and they’re enjoying it. They’re having fun, and we couldn’t be happier to have them back for one more year.”
Another player who will have a crucial impact during the spring is senior attacking midfielder Kyla Tucker.
(Clevenger) and the rest of the team and focus on how to be an important role for the fall,” Tucker said.
Idaho will take on Washington State next week as they look to improve from last spring when they were defeated by the Cougars 2-0.
“There’s a couple of things I’m looking for. One is for our younger players to gain more experience, and the second is to grow as a group,” Clevenger said. “Each year, the team is different, and the team in the fall will be different from the team in the spring with the addition of freshmen and transfers. We want our best group to continue their cohesion and their work together and just build off of that.”
The Vandals will host the Cougars on April 3 at 6:30 p.m. in their first of five spring games this season.
Jayden Barfuss can be reached at [email protected]