GRINNELL, Iowa - Following last year's 8-6-3 record and a third-place finish in the Midwest Conference regular season, the Grinnell College Pioneer women's soccer team kicked off their 2025 season with a competitive scrimmage at Luther ending with a draw.
This fall, they have their sights set on the top spot in the Midwest conference.
In her 12th year with the team, head coach
Kirsten Koester is concentrating on maximizing the team's strengths and utilizing every player to their full potential. When asked about having a predominantly underclass team, Koester highlighted that she has always been proud of her team's continual inclusivity and its ability to uphold the program's values. She noted that "everyone has an obligation to lead and players can't wait until they are an upperclassman to take on a leading role." With the team's positive attitude and a fiery intensity to improve, Koester believes this group is poised for exponential growth.
These Pioneers will be led by captains
Ramona Delborne '26 and
Keiko Smith '26. Smith is back on the field after recovering from a knee injury and is ready to lead the team into battle with renewed resilience and passion. "Our strength as a program comes from our love and support for each other, which continues to be a central part of our team culture," Smith says. Delborne has been a crucial player for the Pioneers and shares a deep connection with the program. "This team has meant the world to me over the past few years," she reflects. With these two dedicated leaders at the helm, the Pioneers will continue to thrive on their program's foundation of connection, support and unshakeable determination.
Goalkeepers
Peyton Dixon '27 and
Grayson Allison '28 return to defend the net. Their leadership and communication from the last line of defense is set to be crucial for the team.
The Pioneers' back line stands ready to shut down any offensive threat with sharp passes and a composed demeanor, anchored by the experience and leadership of upperclassmen
Beya VanRheenen '26 and
Sarah Travis '27. They are joined by sophomores
Emily Roesler '28,
Anna Curtin '28 and
Zoe Kunzman '28, who bring energy and consistency to the field. Rounding out this skilled unit are first-years
Haylie Wesley '29,
Hollye Anne Brinkley '29 and
Maggie Miller '29, preparing to add power and tenacity to the line. This group is set to build the attack from the back and create a strong backbone for the team.
Led by seniors Ameila Dueñas '26 and
Ella Hunt '26, the Pioneers' midfield is poised to dictate the tempo of the game. Junior
Elsa Nielsen '27 returns to the field along with second-years
Maya Marquardt '28 and
Campbell Swaim '28 to be key contributors this season.
Teya Lochridge '29,
Kate Chung '29, and
Nikki Styranovski '29 bring new faces and talent to the heart of the field. These midfielders are equipped to keep the ball under control and find linking passes throughout the team.
Smith and Delborne are at the forefront of the team's offense, leading their teammates every step of the way, assisted by
Rama Joshi '27,
Maya Mozena '28 and
Julia Stebbins '28. These attacking players bring their goal-scoring abilities and field intelligence to the front line with movement off the ball and breakaway runs.
Nora Cheng '29 and
Addison Thornberg '29 are set to make their debut on the attack.
With an influx of new faces to the team and the return of experienced players, Grinnell women's soccer is set to not just rebuild, but redefine their program. As the season begins to unfold, the team is ready to prove that there is no limit to what this group can do.
