This season, the women’s soccer team struggled.  They finished with a league record of 1-5-2, and didn’t make the playoffs. 

To make matters more difficult, the team will be losing three key seniors for next season.

The three graduating seniors are midfielders Rachel Andres and Carson Laderoute, and goalkeeper Eliza Bradley.

Although the team didn’t have the season they hoped for, the outlook for the 2010 fall season is a positive one. 

“The 2010 class will add depth in key positions lost by graduation,” head coach Kwame Lloyd said.

The seven recruits come to Vermont from many places.  Among them will be Vermonter Kylie deGroot.     

“Kylie is a defensive midfielder with the knack of being in the right place at the right time and is very opportunistic on offensive set pieces,” Lloyd said.

Other newcomers Alexa DeMaio, Madeline Jackson and Sarah Leiby all hail from Pennsylvania. 

 “Alexa will compete at outside back for us. She is an aggressive defender and with her skill she can be a threat from 35 yards out,” Lloyd said.

“Madeline is a relentless defender in one-on-one situations and we are excited she is joining our program,” Lloyd said.

“Sarah is extremely coachable and brings a great attitude, plus good athleticism and hands with her 5′ 10″ frame,” Lloyd said.

“She has high expectations for herself and will push her teammates to create a healthy competition for the goalkeeping position.” 

Haley Marks joins the team from New York, Ellie Mills comes from Virginia and Morgan Nichols travels cross-country from California. 

“Haley’s versatility has allowed her to be a scoring threat from nearly any position for both her club and high school teams,” Lloyd said. “With her technical ability, athleticism and the ability to be tactically savvy, we expect her to have an immediate impact on our program.”     

“Ellie is a tireless worker at forward who will give depth to our attack. With her speed, she will be a welcomed presence in the forward line,” Lloyd said.    

“Morgan has the technical ability and vision of a field player, which will enable her to adapt quickly to the college game,” Lloyd said. “She has the work ethic to take her game to the next level and we expect her to compete for the starting goalkeeping job.”     

Though the 2009  season was rough for the Catamounts, with the skill of the new recruits as well as the returning players, the outlook for next season appears to be much brighter.