GRINNELL, Iowa – The Grinnell College Pioneer women's soccer team is coming off an impressive campaign, finishing last season with a strong 10-4-5 overall record.
 
The Pioneers, who are off to a 1-1 this season, claimed second place in both the Midwest Conference regular season and tournament, narrowly missing out on advancing to the NCAA Division III tournament. This season, the team is determined to go even further and secure the top spot.
 
Entering her 11th year with Grinnell, head coach Kirsten Koester is focused on building upon the program's tradition of excellence. She reflected on the team's goals for the season: "Generally speaking, our goal is to honor the tradition of excellence of this program. We want to play great soccer within a team culture that is supportive and brings the best out of each of us. Did you know that in the first 10 years of women's soccer in the Midwest Conference, Grinnell only lost eight conference games?! We are always trying to win the league, host the tournament, and win the tournament. Of course, the process is more important than that outcome, but those goals drive our work ethic and attitude."
 
Assisting Koester this season are assistant coach Liza Van Zyl, in her third year, and student assistant coach Keiko Smith, both of whom are poised to enhance the team's competitive spirit.
 
Leadership will be key this year, with senior captains Gia Sundaram '25, Reese Komsthoeft '25 and Giada Bambi '25 guiding the squad. Komsthoeft, reflecting on the extended preseason, noted, "Preseason is a lot longer this year than it's been in previous years, so we've had ample time to play together and bond with the new players before the season really kicks off. The team is already shaping up to be extremely connected and ready to fight for a conference title!"
 
Bambi, a consistent standout who earned All-MWC first-team honors for the third consecutive year last season, is aiming to continue her streak with a fourth selection this year.
 
Defensively, the backline remains solid and well-organized, anchored by upperclass members Maddie Beltramo '25, Sundaram, Tessa Leahy '25, Katie Carson '25, Ella Hunt '26, and Beya VanRheenen '26. They are complemented by sophomore Sarah Travis '27 and a skilled group of first-years, including Zoe Kunzman '28 and Anna Curtin '28.
 
Goalkeepers Peyton Dixon '27 and Grayson Allison '28 are tasked with guarding the net, and both bring a formidable presence between the posts.
 
Beltramo, Travis, and Dixon, who all received All-MWC honors last season, are determined to maintain a strong defensive record and shut down opposing offenses.
In the midfield, a blend of experience and emerging talent sets the tone. Upperclass players Komsthoeft, Amelia Dueñas '26, and Bambi are set to lead, with strong support from Julia Marlin '27, Elsa Nielsen '27, Maya Marquardt '28 and Campbell Swaim '28.
 
This diverse group is expected to make a significant impact on both ends of the field, showcasing versatility and skill. The attack is led by upperclass players Tori Thomas '25 and Ramona Delborne '26, who will bring experience and scoring ability to the front line. They are joined by a dynamic group of underclass players, including Rama Joshi '26, Maya Mozena '27 and Emily Roesler '27, all eager to contribute to the team's offensive efforts and inject fresh energy into the forward positions.
 
With a strong core of returning players, this year's squad is characterized by experience and an unwavering commitment to their goals. Coach Koester highlighted the team's resilience and unity: "Thanks to the leadership and investment of each person on the squad (current student-athletes and alumni too), we feel confident that we can handle anything coming our way, whether that is injuries, not performing at our best or even just your average bad day. We will always try to hold ourselves to the standards that will push us to our goals, while finding joy and playing with the love of the game and each other in mind."
 
With a focus on both individual and collective growth, the Pioneers are ready to take on the challenges of the new season and strive for excellence in every match.