North Dakota State University’s women’s soccer program is entering the 2024 season with a sense of optimism after a solid preseason showing. The Bison were selected sixth in the Summit League coaches' poll and finished eighth overall last year, but a wave of returning talent suggests a different outlook.
Defensive anchor Amaya Garrett
Amaya Garrett, a fourth‑year defender, has become the cornerstone of the Bison’s back line. She has appeared in every game since joining the program in 2023, logging over 4,700 minutes while helping the team record 17 shutouts. Her consistency earned her Summit League All‑Newcomer and First Team All‑Summit League honors, and she contributed four goals and three assists from the defensive side of the ball.
Offensive spark Morgan Russmann
On the attacking front, Morgan Russmann has emerged as the team’s primary scoring threat. The third‑year forward led NDSU in points in each of her first two seasons, tallying 11 goals as a freshman and adding six more in her sophomore year. Her 17 career goals place her near the top‑10 all‑time marks for the program, and she finished the previous season with nine assists while earning Summit League Offensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors.
The Bison will rely on a blend of experience and youthful energy as they bring back 14 upperclassmen. Their schedule opens with a home matchup against Green Bay on August 13, followed by a stretch of six consecutive home games to start the campaign. Summit League play is slated to begin on September 24 at the University of North Dakota, giving the team an early chance to test their chemistry against conference rivals.
With a strong defensive foundation anchored by Garrett and a dynamic offense led by Russmann, the Bison hope to improve on last season’s 1‑6‑1 league record. The coaching staff emphasizes continuity and depth, aiming to translate preseason momentum into a competitive run that could see the team climb well beyond the sixth‑place preseason projection.