The Eastern University women’s soccer team is set to return 21 players from a season that delivered its most successful finish since 2006, giving the program a deep pool of experience as it prepares for the 2026 campaign.
Senior forward Alex Tetteh says the squad is transitioning into a more veteran lineup, a shift that he believes will translate into greater stability and confidence on the field.
After finishing the 2025 season with an 8‑8‑3 record, the Panthers fell short in their last three regular‑season matches and were eliminated in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament quarterfinal by Southern Indiana, but the experience gained has set a clear target for improvement.
Head coach Dirk Bennett is channeling that momentum into a postseason‑focused approach, announcing a modified schedule that stretches the preseason into mid‑July and adds dedicated pre‑ and post‑season weeks to reduce player fatigue.
A Revamped Roster
The roster will welcome four freshmen, highlighted by Amara Leppla, the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year, while transfer goalkeeper Sierra Cordola, who comes from UC Davis, will pair with Ella Kratochvil between the posts.
Eastern’s non‑conference slate includes four home and five away fixtures before the OVC opener on September 27, featuring matchups against traditional powerhouses such as Cincinnati, Purdue and Marquette to sharpen the team for conference play.