Clarkson University’s women’s soccer program endured a turbulent 2025 campaign, losing several key contributors to injury and graduation while attempting to replace the offensive firepower that had defined the previous season.
Rebuilding the Roster
Despite the setbacks, the team retains a solid defensive corps that helped stabilize the back line, and a sizable first‑year class arrives with the potential to inject fresh energy and depth.
Head coach Zac Shaw and his assistant, Aida Kardovic, have emphasized a return to disciplined defending while simultaneously working to resurrect the scoring output that vanished after the departure of top seniors.
Scoring Leaders Return
The offensive foundation will be anchored by Brooke Everest, a senior who finished the 2025 season tied for second on the team with nine points from four goals and one assist, and who has been a consistent threat with game‑winning goals over three seasons. Lillian Gillett, the team’s leading scorer with five goals and ten points, returns to lead the attack, while Paige Ford contributed four goals and an assist for nine points, and Julia Tyler added a goal, four assists and six points, often serving as the primary set‑piece taker.
Seven players who logged more than 750 minutes last year are back in action, including three starters: Rachael Matthews, Riley Irvin and Callie Abel. Matthews and Irvin proved dominant on defense, while Abel missed the final four games due to injury but remains a key presence.
Sophomore Kate Walsh, who sat out the previous season with an injury, is now fully recovered and expected to add offensive punch, complementing the efforts of sophomore Rachel McMonagle, Gabrielle Cyganik and Maddison Haver, who will support Everest’s leadership in the final third.
The midfield will be anchored by experienced players Jamie Dahlgard, Aurora Zary, Emily LeBlanc and Brooke Butler, all of whom bring extensive collegiate minutes and are expected to control tempo and create scoring opportunities.
In goal, returning keeper Kenzie Roth will guard the net, while graduate transfer Emma Fleming and first‑year prospect Paige Barnett are slated to see significant playing time, providing depth and competition for the starting role.