Sign in Subscribe
College sports

Utah State Women's Soccer Team Enters 2025 as Favorites to Win Championship

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Utah State women's soccer team is poised to make another deep run in the 2025 season, entering as the No. 1 team in the Mountain West preseason poll. After a historic 18-1-5 season in 2024, the Aggies return with veteran leadership, a potent offense, and a talented freshman class. Senior forward Tess Werts, the team's centerpiece and last year's All-Mountain West First Team honoree, is joined by junior forward Kaylie Chambers and junior midfielder Summer Diamond, who have all earned prestigious awards and recognition. The team has also welcomed a decorated freshman class, including the Barrera twins and Lone Peak forward Samantha Sellers, who has already impressed coaches in camp.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Utah State women's soccer team returns as the No. 1 team in the Mountain West preseason poll, fueled by last year's 18-1-5 season and a strong core of returners.
  • Senior forward Tess Werts, the team's centerpiece and last year's All-Mountain West First Team honoree, has posted 25 points and 10 goals in the past two seasons.
  • Junior forward Kaylie Chambers, a three-year starter and 2024 Mountain West tournament MVP, is expected to play a crucial role in the offense.
  • Junior midfielder Summer Diamond, a 2024 All-Mountain West Second Team selection and Mountain West Watch List member, has tallied five goals and five assists in the past season.
  • The team has welcomed a decorated freshman class, including the Barrera twins and Lone Peak forward Samantha Sellers, who has already impressed coaches in camp.
  • Graduate transfer Carli Conner is expected to anchor the defense alongside returning upperclassmen Kasie Vigil, Isabella Velazco, and Hannah Roe.
  • The team has retooled its backline, with only four of the eight defenders returning from the 2024 roster.
  • The Aggies have upgraded their home field with a new synthetic turf surface and upgraded lighting, allowing for night games for the first time.
  • Head coach Manny Martins has emphasized the importance of focusing on the daily process and ignoring the headlines, as the team looks to build on last year's success.

Statistics:

  • The Utah State women's soccer team ranked No. 7 in the national rankings in 2024, the highest mark for any Utah State program.
  • The team led the Mountain West in goals per game, scoring 2.58 goals per game.
  • The team has ranked top 25 nationally in shots, assists, and points per game, as well as 15 shutouts in the past season.
  • The non-conference schedule is nearly identical to last year's daunting slate, with Kansas as the only new opponent.
  • The Aggies went 11-0-2 in non-conference play and outscored their opponents by a combined 31 goals in 2024.

Sources:

  • "Utah State Women's Soccer Team Enters 2025 as Favorites to Win Championship" (no specific source provided)
  • Mountain West preseason poll
  • Utah State University Athletics
  • Interviews with Summer Diamond, Manny Martins, and Tess Werts

Read more