A Fresh Start for Simpson Soccer
The Simpson Women’s Soccer program kicked off its preseason on Wednesday, marking the first day of training that will set the tone for the upcoming campaign. Players arrived eager to translate the momentum of a strong 2025 season into tangible results on the field.
Last year the team posted an 11‑6‑2 overall record and a 6‑2 tally in the American Rivers Conference, finishing third overall in the league. That performance not only highlighted the squad’s depth but also cemented its reputation as a competitive force within the region.
Seniors Ally Hoffa and Meredith Downs, who have shared the pitch since their Central Iowa days, spoke about how the summer’s work has sharpened their chemistry and individual readiness. Both emphasized the value of continuity and the confidence that comes from years of collective experience.
A pivotal element of that preparation was a league organized by Drake University, which provided regular practice sessions and simulated preseason drills. The partnership allowed the Simpson squad to fine‑tune strategies in a competitive yet supportive environment, fostering both tactical acumen and team cohesion.
The 2026 schedule opens on Tuesday, September 1, with a home fixture against Illinois Wesleyan at 5 p.m. The match will serve as the first test of the new‑look lineup and will give fans an early glimpse of how the team’s summer work translates into game‑day performance.