Following a campaign that saw the Eastern Michigan University women’s soccer team boast a winning record for the first time since 2021, the Eagles aim to build on their success in the new year.
Last year, Eastern Michigan also posted an undefeated record at Scicluna Field for the first time since 1999 (5-0-3) and for just the second time in program history, falling just short of qualifying for a conference tournament berth.
“One of the best things that could’ve happened to us was not making the tournament [last year],” said the Eagles' head coach Taylor Clarke, who is entering his second season at the helm. “I think what it did was, it gave this group a level of hunger, and it gave us a bit of a chip on our shoulder, and I think it gave us a mentality of ‘We have something to prove still.'"
With top scorer Olivia Sipsock and starting goalkeeper Ella Holland returning to the fold in 2025, the Eagles aim to build on their historic season last year in hopes of taking the next step and securing a spot in the Mid-American Conference tournament.
Sipsock, a true junior, led the Eagles in all four major offensive categories last season (goals, assists, points, and shots on goal) and will likely serve as the focal point of the offense once again in 2025.
The midfielder racked up five goals, two assists, and 12 points overall during the previous campaign, backing up her freshman season that saw her earn All-MAC honors.
Clarke believes Sipsock can continue to add to her already impressive Eagle resume with increased help from her teammates this year.
“This year, because our attack is stronger, and I think you’re gonna see a cast of more people that can affect the game on the attacking side – I think that’s gonna help her find the game easier and create more chances,” he said.
On the defensive end, Ella Holland returns for her final season in the net, having anchored the Eagles last year with one of the best goalkeeper campaigns the program has ever seen.
As the first keeper to play every minute of the season since 2016, Holland posted the best goals against average metric since 2009 and the best save rate since 2010, racking up 77 saves total.
Clarke believes that Holland will be pivotal to the green and white’s defensive efforts in 2025 as they aim to take the next step.
“Having [Holland] just gives everyone, I think, a feeling of security – we know she can be big in big moments,” he said.
Holland headlines a group of seniors that will lead the squad into battle this year – one that Clarke is so confident about that he made a surprising decision heading towards the new season.
“Honestly, we have such a great group of leaders that we’re not naming captains this year – we feel too confident that every single senior in our group has something to give as a leader,” he said.
The schedule is not easy for the green and white this year, but that hasn’t wavered Clarke’s belief and expectations for his team.
“I think the sky is the limit for this group,” he said.
