Women’s soccer kicking off practice on Monday
The UHV women's soccer team is eager to get on the field Monday for the first day of practice.
The Jaguars return a wealth of experience from 2023's team which finished just shy of reaching the conference tournament and head coach Adrian Rigby, entering his 15th season at the helm, feels the mixture of veterans and newcomers could result in a strong season for UHV (6-7-5 in 2023).
"We're working towards a common goal as a unit," Rigby said. "We're establishing our goals and expectations, and setting the standards. We're going to work hard while also enjoying ourselves, as well. We're fortunate to do what we do and want to enjoy the experience, as well."
Estelle Flanagan returns for her final season after leading the Jaguars in goals (7) and points (17) and garnering All-Red River Athletic Conference honorable mention honors. The McKinney native has featured in 58 career matches for UHV and ranks in the Top 5 all-time for goals (27) points (63), shots (130), shots on goal (79) and game-winning goals (4).
The Jaguars also return 2023 first team All-RRAC defender Trine Stenderup-Jorgensen, who scored three times and had five assists from her center back position in her debut year in Victoria.
Kaydee Cox is also back for her sophomore season. The Lindale native scored five times and had five assists from her forward position.
"(Gelling) is the key word," Rigby said. "We've built in some team bonding exercises to our preseason so we can get on the same page early."
The Jaguars also added graduate transfer and Victoria East product Kyleigh Spree-Kolos after a four-year career at fellow RRAC member Our Lady of the Lake University. Spree-Kolos netted 26 goals in 46 career matches for the Saints, earning All-RRAC honors in 2021 and 2022.
"Kylie's spent some time in the Red River and had some success," Rigby said. "So we're looking forward to her enjoying her graduate year with us and helping set the tone early. It's going to be exciting to work with a lot of the new faces as well."
The Jaguars have three scrimmages in preseason, including at home against Texas A&M-International at 1 p.m. on Aug. 24, before opening the regular season on the road at Nelson University (formerly SAGU) on Aug. 29.