Sports

Women’s Soccer: Pushing Through Despite Injuries

By Hailey Hokanson (hhokanson@css.edu)

October 25, 2024

With over half the season gone and a few more games to play, the CSS women’s soccer team is starting to bring back some teammates and find their groove before playoffs start. An injury filled season has transitioned the team’s goals from achievement towards players’ growth.. 

     “We had high expectations and we were really excited about the group that we had, but how it’s unfolded has been really unfortunate,” said head coach Dave Reyelts. “We’ll get a player back and then lose some, including a few to season ending injuries. It’s been an opportunity for the younger players of course, but in our conference, it’s a tough place to play if you’re not prepared for the high level of intensity or have the experience. From that standpoint, it’s been extremely disappointing, but I’m really proud of our players for continuing to show up everyday and putting their best foot forward.”

     The team is currently 0-12-4 and looking to get some critical wins before playoffs begin in a few weeks. But, despite the unfortunate luck so far, junior forward Kaitlyn Sautter said she is enjoying the memories she has been making with teammates. 

     “My favorite part of the team dynamic this year has been all of our team bonding experiences. We have had more opportunities to team bond this season than we have in the past. We have done a variety of fun activities throughout the season like mini golfing, going to the beach, and pumpkin painting. It has been fun getting to know my teammates outside of soccer and building our team chemistry!!”

     Team building has been crucial as the team mixes in a variety of players amongst injuries. Reyelts, in his 25th season as head coach, says that this season has been one of the most challenging in terms of injuries. 

     “This is the most injuries and most consistent injuries we’ve ever had in my career. It has nothing to do with their preparation, a lot of it is just fluke stuff and unique injuries that we’ve never seen in the past. As a coach, it’s completely out of the norm so it’s challenging because you’re never prepared to have half of your starting lineup out on a regular basis so it’s been challenging, but that’s part of coaching, you have to find ways to solve problems.”

     Throughout his career, Reyelts said he has had the opportunity to work with amazing student-athletes and coaches, and for him, this year is no different.  “Over the years, you learn you wanna win and you wanna have success, but it’s really about the groups and the people you have the opportunity to work with. I’ve gotten the chance to coach some really amazing student athletes and some pretty amazing people, and as I’ve gotten older I’ve started to enjoy those relationships even more. I have players and kids that are the same age. You figure out some things along the way about what makes them tick. I really enjoy it, I really enjoy the people I work with and we have a great group of young women that I’m really enjoying coaching. It has been a challenge entering this competitive environment.”

     Looking ahead, Sautter is hoping to help the team make positive strides in getting to the finish line.  “As we continue through the conference season, my hope for the team is to keep making strides in a positive direction. We have made great improvements as the season has gone on! A few goals I have for the team is to finish off the season strong and pull off some wins!!”