Members of the Union Kitatama 2023-24 women's soccer team recently photographed. A total of 32 girls are on the team this season, including 10 returning starters.Photo courtesy of Union Booster Club
LA PORTE CITY – Union and Kitatama’s joint women’s soccer program is off to a strong start to the 2023-24 season with more than 30 student-athletes joining the team.
A total of 20 Knights and eight Redhawks will lace up their cleats this season, including 10 of last year's starters.
Returning starters include Union seniors Molly Clark, Molly Groat, Charlie Keegan, Dacey Powell and Dena Robb. juniors Josie Bergmeyer (Union), Avery Knoop (Union) and Eva Monat (North Tama); and Union sophomores Adi Pospisil and Neely Henning.
Last season, Knoop led the team with nine goals, and Grote also led the team with nine goals. Powell, a goalie, led the state in saves with 313 last season.
In an interview with the Union Booster Club, head coach John Simon said the team has put in a lot of effort in the offseason.
“After last year's season ended, many girls participated in Summer League Soccer in June and July and were able to play in an additional five games. He also participated in both sessions, playing a total of 12 games over three months in December, January, and February.Both Summer League and Winter League are organized by the Cedar Valley Soccer Association.Cedar Valley Soccer The association has advocated for change and provided opportunities for Cedar Valley's soccer teams and provided great resources.
“Including open training in the gym twice a week from January and strength training three times a week from February, the team will be firing on all cylinders and ready for the start of the season. .
This season, Simon is joined by Grant Kelly, who returns as an assistant coach, and newcomer Christy Wagner, who serves as a volunteer assistant.
The Knights finished the 2022-23 season with a 4-11 record, including wins over Cedar Valley Christian, Benton Community, Mount Vernon and Decorah.
The team begins the new season at home against Cedar Valley Christian on Tuesday, March 26th at 5 p.m.
