University of Nebraska-Omaha – Women’s Soccer College Spotlight

by Chace Hutchison Spotlights

Although it is rarely covered by the traditional media giants of the state, Nebraska is filled with exciting and competitive collegiate soccer programs. In fact, Nebraska contains a grand total of THIRTY programs for men and women. Those thirty programs compete across a wide variety of collegiate levels including Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and junior college.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to examine, cover, and promote all of these teams. This task has been made a bit more challenging by the circumstances created by COVID-19. Depending on the playing level, conference, and school, the season outlook changes drastically. Roster information can also be in flux, depending on the school. Despite these challenges, our staff attempted to put together the best program summaries possible. To our knowledge, we are the only outlet providing such coverage to our state’s college programs.

Just like Nebraska Soccer Talk, this column will grow and become more in depth as the years pass. In the future, we hope to provide sideline coverage of games, facility features, coach and player interviews. We look forward to the journey ahead. Thank you for being a part of our community. The sport of soccer is growing in Nebraska, and we intend to see it thrive.

Disclaimer – In the making of this article, team websites and other research sources were utilized. Although we attempt to avoid them whenever possible, errors can occur. Please contact us directly with corrections.

University of Nebraska-Omaha

Head Coach – Tim Walters

Coach Walters arrived as the head of the program in 2016. Since that time, results have not fulfilled the expectations of a program with UNO’s standing. 2018’s advancement in the Summit league tournament provided a glimmer of progress and optimism for the future. However, it really needed to be followed up with a strong campaign in 2019, and that failed to materialize. Coach Walters seems to be a good candidate for this job, but it does need to be demonstrated by on-field success. From all accounts Coach Walters has been a dedicated and passionate soccer advocate as he honed his skills across many different levels of the game. The next few seasons will be crucial for the direction of his program.

Assistant Coaches – Kelly Farrell, Denzel Woods, Erin Bunker

Mascot – Mavericks

Year Regular Season Record Summit Conference Record
2019 5-11-2 2-5-1
2018 8-11-2 4-3-1
2017 6-10-1 3-4
2016 5-11-3 3-4-1

Nebraska Homegrown Players On Roster – 

  • #0 Madeline Smith – So – Millard South – GK
  • #2 Carly Cameron – RFR – Elkhorn High – GK
  • #3 Maria Eubanks – RFR – Lincoln East – D
  • #5 Grace Ostergaard – Fr – Millard West – M
  • #6 Gracie Parsons – Fr – Omaha Burke – M
  • #7 Grace Crockett – Fr – Omaha Marian – D
  • #12 Grace Thede – RFr – Omaha Marian – D
  • #13 Brylie Meyer – Jr – Lincoln Pius X – D
  • #14 Laurin Mertz – So – Omaha Skutt – F
  • #17 Mali Seran – RSo – Omaha Skutt – M
  • #19 Regan Zimmers RFr – Millard North – M
  • #20 Bailey Cascio – Sr – MIllard North – F
  • #23 Avery Ripple – RSo – Papillion-LaVista South – D
  • #25 Alyssa Hansen – Fr – Lincoln Pius X – M
  • #26 Leah Kirchner – Jr – Millard West – D

15/27 = 55%

Known Recruiting Class – 

  • Sena Ahovissi – Millard North – D
  • Cece Behrens – Omaha Skutt – Mid
  • Reagan Bourgeois – Houston, TX – M
  • Mia Reedtz Olesen – Denmark – GK
  • Mo Gohr – Kansas State / Elkhorn South – F
  • Kayla Futakami – Northglenn, CO – F

NEST Analysis – Since its jump to division one athletics in 2011, UNO’s women’s soccer side has struggled to find consistent success. Since 2011, this program has not recorded a winning record. Simply put, that is very surprising given its location, facilities, and local recruiting pool. There have been moments of hope during that time with 2018 being the highlighted year of the Maverick program under Coach Walters. The state and the sport of soccer within our borders need more of that success. Women’s soccer at UNO must elevate itself to being a brand synonymous with winning, advocacy, and an attractive style of play. 

An uptick in local talent acquisition also serves as a point of optimism. Approximately half of the current roster is made up of homegrown Nebraskans, most of which are in their first or second year. Hopefully those players can serve as a launching point for Coach Walter’s program. On a lighter note, if you are a female soccer player that is located in the metro area and named Grace you have a very high chance of playing on this squad.

 

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