UNC Asheville women’s soccer built momentum in non-conference play, aiming for a Big South Championship since 2006.
“Overall, I think we performed really well. We were at the top of our conference and second in RPI (Ratings Percentage Index), which shows how hard we worked and how gritty we were in getting results. Against better teams, we were able to keep games close, especially defensively and shutting things down against strong competition,” Co-Captain Shae Hassig said.
According to Hassig, her biggest takeaway from non-conference is the team needs to be more clinical in certain moments because the better teams you play, the fewer opportunities you get.
Ultimately, the team is determined to make the playoffs and take the title of Big South Champions.
“I think we’re all really excited to finally get into the conference. It’s been a long buildup, it hasn’t been linear, but that’s sports. We’re just excited to be at this moment we’ve been building toward. In terms of goals, we want to win the thing. That’s always the goal,” Co-Captain Gracie Murray said from women’s soccer.
To achieve their ultimate goal, new Assistant Coach Maddy Ireton states taking care of the little things every day on and off the field helps build toward those results. Nothing will be easy, but the lessons the team has learned, along with past challenges with COVID in 2020 and the hurricane last year have prepared the team for the season.
“We want to finish the season knowing we gave it our all, especially for our seniors,” Ireton said.
For Murray, there are a lot of mixed emotions as she leads the team in her final season at Asheville.
“I’m trying to take it all in. The ‘lasts’ are starting to hit me, the last non-conference game and the last preseason. Physically, my body is telling me I need to be done and I am ready to move on to my career,” Murray said. “But I feel a lot of gratitude and appreciation for everyone who got me here and everyone I’ve experienced this journey with.”
UNC Asheville Captains Murray and Hassig hope to leave their mark by setting a standard for the program while also keeping things lighthearted. For them, this team is a family and they believe enjoying the game and having fun together is just as important when it comes to being a successful team.
“Playing college athletics isn’t easy, and there are days when you’re anxious or not there mentally. But being able to still find joy in it is what I’m most proud of,” Hassig said.
