By: Cody Wright
SPOKANE, Wash. – The Whitworth women's soccer team enters the 2025 season with expectations to once again compete for the top spot in the Northwest Conference. Hopes are high after an 11-6-2 overall record and 9-5-2 conference mark in 2024, the program's winningest season since 2021.
With significant experience returning and nine newcomers ready to make in impact, Whitworth has a ten-win conference season in its sights, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since 2018.
To get there, the Pirates must build off an improved offense from 2024 that posted 1.42 goals per game and 125 shots on goal in 2024, good for second in the conference.
"The onus lies with me," said head coach Cameron Bushéy, who is 26-20-12 entering his fourth season at the helm. "I have to continue to develop our ability to create chances by creating conditions in training where the team knows where to get the ball and how we will get it there."
Whitworth will look to get off to a faster start this season after scoring just five goals in the first eight conference games a season ago. After six key players battled injuries last season, avoiding the injury bug while maintaining the right attitude will also go a long way in continuing the program's upward trajectory.
"Belief is priceless," Bushéy said. "Everyone embraced adversity as a group well last season."
The Pirate offensive third returns several key players but must overcome the graduation of top scorers Yacine Bitibale and Baylee Trejo. Kylee Russell (five goals), Lily Cardenas (three goals), Emma Ellerd (two goals, two assists), and Rebekah Hines (one goal, two assists) are each primed for impactful seasons.
Clair Nguyen also returns after scoring two goals and dishing four assists in just five matches started. Transfers Faith Shaw (Biola) and Alexa Deatherage (Nicholls State) will join the talented forward group.
In the midfield, team captain Addison Dizard makes her return, who played in just five games last season due to injury. "I am grateful we get Diz back on the field," said Bushéy. "She gives confidence to every person on the team."
Riley Ng, Katherine Kent and Ayanna Tobeck also return in the midfield. Freshman Sylvie Washington and CC of Spokane transfer Andie Snell may push for time as well.
In the defensive third, Mac Lembcke and Lily Parker headline the returning group that includes Madison Carr, Maia Santa Monica, Camryn Kuolt and Grace Hansen. Newcomers Erin Kumasaka and Kaiti Low will look to add their names to the mix.
Returner Paige Broadrick and freshman Karlee Roderick will battle for the starting position in goal.
Despite the returning numbers, Coach Bushéy expects the first-year Pirates to come in ready for the season. "Even though we are an experienced team, I expect we will see new faces making big contributions."
Whitworth officially kicks off the season with a trip to California to battle Whittier on Friday, August 29th and California Lutheran on August 31st. The Pirates return to Whitworth Soccer Field to host Carroll College on September 13th in their only home non-conference match.
The Northwest Conference will be a challenge as the Bucs look to overtake a pair of strong Pacific Lutheran and Puget Sound teams. Whitman, Willamette and Linfield will each look to close the gap as well.
