Lincoln, NE (August 19th, 2025) - After a season of steady growth in 2024, Nebraska Wesleyan women's soccer enters the 2025 campaign with renewed energy, a revamped coaching staff, and a roster full of returning talent. The Prairie Wolves will also debut their newly renovated turf at Abel Stadium this fall, adding excitement to a season full of promise.
2024 SEASON IN REVIEW
Nebraska Wesleyan finished the 2024 season with a 6-10-2 overall record and a 1-5-2 mark in American Rivers Conference play. The Prairie Wolves opened the year strong, winning four of their first six matches by a combined score of 17-4. Despite a midseason scoring drought, NWU picked up key wins over Buena Vista and battled to draws with Luther and Coe. The team ultimately placed seventh in the A-R-C standings, narrowly missing the conference tournament.
Junior forward
Averie Hike led the team with seven goals and two assists, earning All-Conference Honorable Mention honors. In goal,
Jena Schultz posted 56 saves and a .778 save percentage, anchoring a trio of keepers who saw action throughout the season.
2025 SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN
Nebraska Wesleyan will play 16 regular season matches in 2025, including eight against A-R-C opponents. The season begins on August 30 at Concordia University in Seward, followed by the home opener against Illinois College on August 31. The Prairie Wolves will travel to Minnesota for a pair of non-conference contests before returning to Lincoln to host Dakota Wesleyan on September 10.
Conference play begins September 27 against Loras, with additional A-R-C matchups against Simpson, Dubuque, Wartburg, Central, Buena Vista, Luther, and Coe. All home matches will be played on the newly renovated turf at Abel Stadium.
2025 KEY RETURNERS
NWU returns several key contributors from last season, including leading scorer and All-Conference Honorable Mention selection
Averie Hike and sophomore midfielder
Emma Parker, who led the team with four assists. In the midfield, junior
Nella Castaneda returns after appearing in all 18 matches in 2024, while sophomore defender
Emily Jasa is back after starting every game as a first-year.
The Prairie Wolves will also lean on a strong senior class in 2025. Goalkeeper
Jena Schultz returns after anchoring the net last season, joined by fellow seniors
Amanda Olivas and
Mady Schoffstall, both of whom are back after battling injuries in 2024.
Kimmee Davenport brings consistency in the midfield after appearing in 16 matches last season, while
Ryleigh Singh returns to the back line after logging 17 appearances.
In goal, Schultz will be supported by returning keepers
Catthi Pham and
Amber Pyle, giving NWU depth and experience between the posts.
2025 NEWCOMERS
The Prairie Wolves welcomed six new student-athletes to the program this fall, adding depth and competition across all positions. The incoming class will look to make an immediate impact as NWU builds toward a breakthrough season.
COACHING STAFF
Robert Lynch takes the reins as head coach in 2025, bringing experience from Clarke University and a fresh perspective to the program. Joining him is
Bailey Brennan, the first full-time assistant coach in NWU women's soccer history.
ROBERT LYNCH COMMENTS
"There's a lot to be excited about this season," Lynch said. "We've got a strong core of returners, a talented group of newcomers, and a renewed sense of purpose. The energy in preseason has been fantastic, and we're eager to compete on our new turf and take meaningful steps forward in the A-R-C."
PRESEASON POLL
| 2025 AMERICAN RIVERS CONFERENCE PRESEASON COACHES POLL |
| RANK |
SCHOOL |
POINTS |
| 1 |
LORAS COLLEGE |
63Â (7) |
| 2 |
SIMPSON COLLEGE |
57 (2) |
| 3 |
WARTBURG COLLEGE |
51 |
| 4 |
UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE |
42 |
| 5 |
CENTRAL COLLEGE |
35 |
| 6 |
LUTHER COLLEGE |
29 |
| 7 |
NEBRASKA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY |
22 |
| 8 |
COE COLLEGE |
14 |
| 9 |
BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY |
11 |
SEASON OPENER
Nebraska Wesleyan opens its 2025 season on Saturday, August 30 at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.
