Women's Soccer 8/31/2022 7:53:00 PM Caleb Hoereth

Grinnell women's soccer team aims for bounce-back season in 2022

GRINNELL, Iowa – The Grinnell College Pioneer women's soccer team finished 3-12-2 last season, but are looking hungry to bounce back for this upcoming season.

The team has qualified for the Midwest Conference Tournament three out of the last five years, and they're hoping to reach that type of success once again.

Head Coach Kirsten Koester has high hopes for the year. "Nobody was satisfied with our season last year," she said. "We have to be resilient and relentless, which I know this team can be. Everyone on the team is a key returning player, so it will take the team as a whole to reach new heights this season. With that said, we also have really strong leaders this year that everyone looks up to, and I think that they can help take everyone to the next level."

This season the team will be captained by junior midfielder/defender Jane March '24, senior midfielder Jill Paladino '23 and senior defender Antarah Chopra '23. Paladino had this to say about the upcoming season, "I'm excited to have my final year be with this team. We have great chemistry and they're all hard workers."

March also expressed her feelings on the upcoming season, "Everyone is dialed in. We have a great group of players who have played together, which will help us with team chemistry. We also have a very talented group of first-years, and it's exciting to see them step up."

Returning to the midfield will be standout Giada Bambi '25, who was named to the All-Midwest Conference first team last season. Joining her in the midfield will be Reese Komsthoeft '25, Paladino and March, making for a strong combination of players. First-years Kate Nakamura '26 and Amelia Dueñas '26 are poised to contribute, as well.

In the back line, Grinnell sees Gia Sundaram '25 teaming up with Bethany McKinney '26, Tessa Leahy '25 and Maddie Beltramo '25. Holding down the fort in net, Elinor Arneson '23 commands the team. Paladino praised Arneson's presence, stating, "Elinor is the most hardworking goalie I have ever played with, and she is a great leader on and off the field."

Defender Katie Carson '25 and a talented group of first-years will also be crucial for goal prevention.

Leading the attack, Carlie Duus '24 will be combined with the forces of Allison Wehrman '24, Keiko Smith '25 and Tali Berk '24. Tori Thomas '25 and Ramona Delborne '26 will also make an impact for the team up front.

Joining the coaching staff this year, Liza Stone becomes the assistant coach for the Pioneers. Coach Koester had this to say about her newest assistant coach, "Coach Stone is incredible. We value her not just for her goalkeeping background, but her energy as well. She will be a great addition to the team."

Goalkeeper coach John Riley O'Toole has also returned for his second year with the team, as well as student-manager Bailey McElligott.

Coach Koester, entering her ninth season at Grinnell, wants the team to focus on its defense this season. "We don't want people in behind our backline and we will focus on being locked down defensively this season," she said. "We want to compete at a high level even if we take any stumbles along the way. It all goes back to the 'raise the bar mentality,' which the team will use this season."

Grinnell opens its season Thursday at home the University of Dubuque.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Elinor Arneson: GK; 5' 7"; Senior

#24 Giada Bambi: M; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#5 Maddie Beltramo: D; 5' 6"; Sophomore

#25 Tali Berk: F; 5' 6"; Junior

#18 Katie Carson: D; 5' 3"; Sophomore

#23 Antarah Chopra: D; 5' 9"; Senior

#10 Carlie Duus: F; 5' 3"; Junior

#21 Reese Komsthoeft: M; 5' 3"; Sophomore

#16 Tessa Leahy: D; 5' 2"; Sophomore

#20 Jane March: D; 5' 4"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#1 Elinor Arneson
: 5' 7"; Senior
: GK

#24 Giada Bambi
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: M

#5 Maddie Beltramo
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: D

#25 Tali Berk
: 5' 6"; Junior
: F

#18 Katie Carson
: 5' 3"; Sophomore
: D

#23 Antarah Chopra
: 5' 9"; Senior
: D

#10 Carlie Duus
: 5' 3"; Junior
: F

#21 Reese Komsthoeft
: 5' 3"; Sophomore
: M

#16 Tessa Leahy
: 5' 2"; Sophomore
: D

#20 Jane March
: 5' 4"; Junior
: D