Delta women’s soccer has sights set on another championship

Delta College / News / Delta women’s soccer has sights set on another championship

August 12, 2024

The Delta College women’s soccer team had an incredible 2023 regular season going undefeated 19-0, becoming Midwest District Champions.

The team made their seventh straight appearance in the national tournament and finished their record-breaking season 23-1 as the NJCAA Division III national runner-up.

“The atmosphere coming into this season is great,” said Head Coach Damon Amey, 2023 MCCAA Coach of the Year. “Our team is bigger this year with 31 players. The freshmen players have great athleticism, skills, great attitudes and a desire to win. Our seasoned players are helping them learn how to prepare for games and manage the stressors that come with collegiate soccer.”

“It has been a challenge re-building confidence because I switched from playing center back in high school to now playing outside back,” says Ella Tucci (15), psychology student. “It’s very different, but I’m excited to learn from my coaches and teammates.”

The women’s soccer team has 21 freshman and 10 returning sophomore players this year, including Team Captains Grace Sczepanski (21), secondary education student, Kendall Jackson (8), nursing student and Reagan King (2), business studies student. The three captains work together to keep the team’s energy high. “All of us are always sharing positive encouragement and making sure our bench is loud,” said the captains. “We make sure no one has their head hung low after a mistake. We say, ‘next play best play’ or ‘stay in the green.’”

This team gives it their all maintaining their enthusiasm as they gear up to chase another championship. Their excitement may be even higher this year as they’ve been drawing inspiration from some of their favorite gold medalist women’s soccer players in this year’s Olympic games. “I want to be as composed as Naomi Girma,” says Grace. “I like Mallory Swanson’s work ethic and drive to keep going after a knee injury,” says Reagan. “I love Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman,” says Kendall. “They all have such grace and determination.”

The women’s soccer team has a string of home games next month, with the first conference match scheduled for Saturday, September 14 against Muskegon Community College at 1pm. Bring a lawn chair and help cheer the team on to another winning season!

“Having loud spectators at our games is so much fun,” says Ella. “Come to our games. You’ll have a blast!”