WINONA LAKE, Ind. – The Grace College women's soccer team is young, quite young in fact.
The Lancers have just three seniors on the roster. But the Lancers will feature a hungry, talented squad on the field in 2025.
Head coach Michael Voss has trusted much of his starting lineup to freshmen and sophomores over the last two years, allowing his "young" players to gain experience at a rapid pace. The Lancers return most of their starting lineup from a year ago, including 75 percent of the team's scoring.
Despite starting primarily underclassmen in 2024, Grace still produced a strong 13-4-2 record. The Lancers were on the verge of an at-large bid to the NAIA National Championships, leaving the team with a taste of unfinished business.
Voss knows he has a young team. But he also sees an advantage to having the same players start and grow together over multiple seasons.
"We have consistency with this group. This group is completely bought in and very hungry for growth," Voss said. "They are unified as a team and understand what we're doing; they're well-aligned with the mission of our school, our athletic department and our team pillars."
Grace enjoyed a balanced year last fall, outscoring opponents by a combined 42-8 on the season. Seven of the team's top nine goalscorers are back, led by NCCAA All-American Cassidy Felger. Felger, who serves as the team's captain, has averaged over 85 minutes per game in her first two seasons. She tallied six goals and seven assists.
The Lancers' returners have put in the offseason work to be successful this fall, gaining in fitness and in technical ability. "The returning crew has made huge strength gains and is very fit. They've proven that they can put in the work, and they understand how to execute our system," Voss added.
Other top producers returning are Abby Hodkin (8 goals), Ellie Grieser (6 goals), Rosalie Gefrorer (4 goals, 4 assists), Audrey Abel (8 assists) and Zoe Mueller (2 goals, 3 assists).
Mueller helped anchor Grace's stout backline, one that did not surrender a goal during nonconference competition in 2024. She will be counted on to lead a defensive front that should be physical and fast.
Voss was also pleased to see how the incoming class was adding to the group. "We've added some really bright spots," Voss noted in reference to Grace's newcomers. Several new faces will challenge for a key role immediately, adding depth and talent to all areas of the field.
In the goalkeeper position, Ivy Cline made eight starts and recorded five shutouts in her debut season. She'll be joined by freshman keeper Noelle NieKamp to give Grace depth in between the goalposts.
"This is one of our most competent teams we've had in terms of our possession-attacking style," Voss said. "They're young, but they are talented. We'll play some top teams, so we need to stay together, work hard and see how far we can push it this year."
The Lancers will begin the year with two home matches, including St. Mary-of-the-Woods on Aug. 21 at 4 p.m. and Graceland on Aug. 23 at 11:30 a.m.
