The Northwestern State University of Louisiana women’s soccer team looks to improve from its previous 6-10-3 record by putting in offseason work and fundraising for the 2024-2025 season.
Just before the start of the season, four of the Lady Demons were named preseason All-Southland Conference, including twin sisters Jessica and Taylor Spitzer, Caroline Hillard and Emily Senatore.
Jessica Spitzer, junior defender, explained how being recognized is very humbling and how her sister drives her to be better at the game.
“It’s a good feeling because I know Taylor made All-First team her freshman or sophomore year, and I didn’t,” Jessica Spitzer said.
She went on to explain the pressure that comes with the title.
“Eyes are on you to make sure that you earned the vote and selection and to let it not go to waste,” Jessica Spitzer said. “It can also be a motivator to improve, and have that extra push in every game on top of wanting to win.”
When prepping for the soccer season, players must self-access and come up with goals they have for the team, aside from just personal goals.
“So a goal for the team is definitely on attacking and scoring more goals and winning a set amount of games on the road. Scoring will definitely help achieve that in winning our conference,” Jessica Spitzer said.
Caroline Hillard, senior defender, talked about how intense the offseason workouts were.
“It’s been difficult, but we definitely have been working hard,” Hillard said.
Aside from the intensity of the offseason, the training allowed them to reflect and want more for the upcoming season.
“It’s been really difficult for everyone, but we can’t wait for the season to kick off,” Emily Senatore, sophomore midfielder, said.
Besides the training and new acquired titles, the team hosted a fundraiser to help purchase new uniforms and equipment.
Taylor Spitzer, junior forward, explained the process the team went through to get new upgrades to their sport’s wardrobe.
“For the fundraiser, each player had to write 30 letters asking for support. We sent it to friends, family and NSU students and it was successful since we got new uniforms and new gear,” Taylor Spitzer said.
With two games gone by, the Lady Demons sit at a 0-2 record after playing the top two power schools. The team lost 0-3 to Southern Methodist University on Aug. 15 and were also defeated by Mississippi State University 0-4 on Aug. 18 on the road.
“When you’re playing top schools, it definitely can affect your mindset. I feel like we let them dictate our game and our pace,” Jessica Spitzer said. “Instead of us playing at our pace, we need to work on playing at our rhythm.”
While the team suffered two losses to the Mustangs and Lady Bulldogs early in the season, the players took on a positive perspective after both the games.
“One thing we can take away from these games is that our defense has improved,” Jessica Spitzer said. “I know in the last game, Mississippi had to put their starters back in because we gained the momentum. When power schools do that, it’s a very good sign we’re making progress.”
The Lady Demons lost 10-0 to the Arkansas Razorbacks on Sunday, Aug. 25 at Razorback Soccer Stadium. The team will end their four match long road trip against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m.
The team will return to Natchitoches to play in their first regular season home game against Abilene Christian University on Sunday, Sept. 1 at noon.
