Local Roots Fuel Team Identity
The Washburn University soccer program is increasingly defined by the talent it draws from its own backyard. This season the roster includes five athletes who hail directly from Topeka, while an additional six players come from communities across Northeast Kansas, underscoring a deliberate effort to anchor the team in the region that supports it.
Among those homegrown contributors is Mackinly Rohn, a recent graduate of Washburn Rural High School who has already become a key figure on the squad. Fellow regional standout Brooke Willcott, from Holton, also earns a spot in the lineup, reflecting the breadth of skill that stretches beyond the capital city.
Head coach Davy Phillips emphasizes that chemistry is built long before a player steps onto the field for the first time. He spends extensive time coaching prospective athletes in practice sessions, allowing them to witness his dedication and commitment firsthand. This approach, Phillips says, cultivates loyalty and a family‑like atmosphere that he believes is essential for sustained success.
The team's early schedule culminates with its first home game on Thursday, August 27, when it hosts Maryville. The matchup not only marks a debut on familiar turf but also serves as a litmus test for a program that blends local pride with a coaching philosophy centered on trust and incremental development.