Women’s soccer ranked second in A-R-C preseason poll

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Simpson College women's soccer team has been picked second in the 2023 American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches Poll.

The Storm received 54 points in the poll for their highest placement since 2001 when Simpson was picked to finish first. Set to open the season on Sept. 1, Simpson returns 23 members of last year's team and adds 14 newcomers.

"We're really excited about the combination of returning and first-year players," said Reinert. "After taking another step forward last season, we have a motivated group eager to compete for an A-R-C Championship."

ONE LAST LOOK AT 2022

• The Storm put together a 12-6-1 campaign, going 6-2 in conference action.
• Simpson upset then-No. 17 Wartburg to advance to the A-R-C Championship match for the first time since 2009.
• Cassie Nash became the program's first All-American and was named the league's offensive player of the year.
• Nash and graduating senior Lizzie Arnburg were tabbed all-region, the first time Simpson had multiple players earn all-region status in the same season.
• Simpson had a program-record seven players earn all-conference recognition and head coach Jeremy Reinert brought home A-R-C Coach of the Year honors for the second time in five seasons.
• The Storm ended the year ranked No. 8 in the United Soccer Coaches Region IX rankings. 
• Simpson's offense led the league with 34 goals in A-R-C play (most by any conference team since 2011), while the Storm defense posted six shutouts overall.

KEY OFFENSIVE RETURNERS (2022 STATS)

• Cassie Nash, senior forward (24 goals, 7 assists)
• Brissa Valadez, sophomore forward (7 goals, 5 assists)
• Jordyn Foelske, junior forward (6 goals, 3 assists)
• Hailey Kowzan, senior midfielder (2 goals, 7 assists)
• Julia Wagoner, senior midfielder (2 goals, 5 assists)

KEY DEFENSIVE RETURNERS (2022 STATS)

• Lani Mears, senior goalkeeper (1.45 GAA, 11-5-1 record)
• Elle Street, sophomore defender (1433 minutes played)
• Avery Plathe, sophomore defender (1132 minutes played)

2023 SCHEDULE | 2023 ROSTER

2023 AMERICAN RIVERS CONFERENCE WOMEN'S SOCCER PRESEASON POLL

1. Loras (18-1-3, 8-0 A-R-C) - 64 points
2. Simpson (12-6-1, 6-2 A-R-C) - 54 points
3. Wartburg (16-3-2, 6-1-1 A-R-C) - 52 points
4. Luther (8-8-4, 3-3-2 A-R-C) - 44 points
5. Dubuque (6-5-7, 3-2-3 A-R-C) - 33 points
6. Central (9-6-3, 3-3-2 A-R-C) - 31 points
7. Nebraska Wesleyan (6-9-1, 2-6 A-R-C) - 20 points
8. Coe (1-15-1, 1-7 A-R-C) - 17 points
9. Buena Vista (4-12-1, 0-8 A-R-C) - 9 points