The Northwestern State University of Louisiana Lady Demons soccer team’s 2024 season ended after a 0-1 loss to the Stephen F. Austin Lady Pilgrims in the Southland Conference Tournament on Nov. 7 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Despite the team’s loss, head soccer coach Ian Brophy explained how the Lady Demons competed throughout the season.
“Overall, this was a really good season, you know, we had goals in the season,” Brophy said. “Just a hair shy of winning the conference, and if you told us we would be that close to winning the conference, we would’ve taken it.”
NSU completed their season with a record of 11-8-2 while also posting a 6-3-1 record in the Southland Conference. Before falling short to SFA, the team advanced to the SLC tournament semifinals after defeating the Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lions on Nov. 5 with a score of 2-1.
Brophy believes the team’s performance in the tournament will lead them to success in the future of the program.
“Our playoff performance in the first round in the semifinals, being there every step of the way — including overtime — leaves something to be excited about for next season,” Brophy said.
Jessica Neal, assistant head coach, compared this season to last season from an offensive standpoint.
“What I took well from this season is the offense, you know, we have always been known as a defensive team and last year having like 17 goals compared to 35 goals,” Neal said. “This season, it was great to see that big of an improvement.”
As the team said farewell to nine seniors this year, Neal looks to the 2025 season and the evolution it may bring.
“With this great group of senior graduates, it is up to new people to step up in that leadership role next season,” Neal said.
Caroline Hillard, senior communication major and defender, explained how NSU improved on the defensive side of the field.
“We worked on passing patterns and being able to translate that through games — we did a practice drill called ‘Building Out the Back’ — seeing that being implemented in games was really cool to see,” Hillard said.
After improving the team’s communication, Hillard described the Lady Demon’s mindset throughout the season.
“What really helped was the team chemistry,” Hillard said. “Before the game, we like to hype our players up and give inspiration to the new players on the team. Even at halftime, before the coaches came and talked to us, having a players meeting and going over what to work on as a team really helps.”
Following the team’s success in the 2024 season, Brophy and Neal look to make it further next season with new recruits and high expectations.
