BY: KJ Burns, Managing-Editor
Despite missing the conference tournament, the women’s soccer team ended its season showing signs of improvement and hoping to build on its progress heading into next year.
After struggling with injuries and a slow start to the season, the team finished with more points and allowed fewer goals than last year, something head coach Dylan Gruntzel said shows the program is moving in the right direction.
“I think they ended on a good note,” Gruntzel said. “They were competitive. They put themselves in a position where they improved from last year even with all the injuries and things that they dealt with.”
The team entered the final stretch of the season needing to win its remaining games to have a chance at qualifying for the conference tournament. Although the team ultimately fell short, Gruntzel said he was pleased with how the players continued to compete despite the challenges they faced.
Injuries throughout the season forced younger players into larger roles and required the coaching staff to make adjustments to the lineup.
“I think you learn through that adversity, and I think that was something that I was really proud of with our younger groups, to kind of step into that role when maybe that doesn’t usually happen,” he said.
Two first-year players earned all-conference honors this season, while sophomore Lexi Bauer received the recognition for the second consecutive year.
Gruntzel said those accomplishments were especially impressive considering the level of competition in the MIAA.
Gruntzel said the coaching staff has gained a clearer picture of the team’s playing style and how to approach games against conference opponents.
“I think we have a better understanding of how we need to play from a shape standpoint and maybe a style,” he said.
Although the Jets will lose four players to graduation, Gruntzel said he is optimistic about the program’s future. Several key players are returning, and a strong incoming class is expected for 2027.
The additional players should also help the team avoid some of the depth issues it faced this season, especially if injuries become a problem again.
Gruntzel said the players are beginning to recognize how much progress they have made and what it will take to continue improving against conference opponents.
“They see that they are so close,” he said. “We’re knocking on the door against so many teams. How can we flip those results next year?”
Gruntzel said the program has made progress since he took over four years ago. Rather than simply trying to compete against conference opponents, he said, the players are beginning to understand what it takes to be successful in the MIAA.
“I think they’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, so we’ve just got to keep working through it,” he said.
Beyond the team’s performance on the field, Gruntzel said he was especially proud of the way his players handled adversity and continued to support one another throughout the season.
Even during tough stretches, he said, the players remained positive and pushed one another to improve rather than allowing frustration to affect the group.
Gruntzel also emphasized to his players the importance of taking care of themselves off the field, including maintaining their grades and supporting their teammates.
“I think they were very resilient this year,” he said. “They still challenge each other. They still push each other.”
Although the team did not accomplish its goal of reaching the conference tournament, Gruntzel said the team’s culture and continued improvement give him confidence heading into next season.
“Yeah, we want to win more, but as long as you enjoy each other, that’s what it comes down to,” he said. “I think they did a great job of doing that this year.”
PHOTO: Courtesy, Newman Athletics
