Lady Tiger soccer team looks to continue winning ways
After back-to-back national tournament appearances, the Cowley College women’s soccer team has its sights set on achieving a third straight national tournament run.
"The expectations are always high and the challenges we will face will be even higher," Cowley head coach Roberto dos Santos said.
Co-captains Sara Arse, Mai Line Geffry, and Sthefany Silva will serve as co-captains in the 2025 season. Silva was a First Team all-conference defender during the 2023 season before suffering a season-ending injury in the 2024 season-opener. She has come back mentally and physically stronger.
"Stephanye was the best defender in the conference her freshman year," dos Santos said.
Other sophomores on the team are defender Kelig Jeffory, midfielders, Louyse Cristine, Lou-Ann, Aimee Ibanez, Mireen Hernandez, and Adrina Gilbert. Forwards Lauren Howard and Sabrina Barbosa round out the sophomores.
"The sophomores understand it will not be easy and that they need to work hard and nurture these new girls on the team," dos Santos said.
Freshmen on the team include Sarah Britzke, Lea Duncarin, Camille Carniglia, Lilian Redeligx, Riko Saito, Sophie Knaab, Mariana Andrade, Mariangela Lopez, Sara Montserrat, Adelaida Restrepo, and goalkeeper Julia Suelly from Brazil.
"We have a great recruiting class," dos Santos said. "Now, we have to put the pieces together and make a team out of it."
Cowley will open the season at Seminole State College in Oklahoma. The Trojans and Tigers have faced off at the national tournament in each of the past two seasons.
"The schedule will be tough," dos Santos said. "We need to be prepared mentally and physically."
The Lady Tigers will play their first home game on September 17 when they host perennial power Butler Community College.
"We know we have talent. The challenge will be putting it together," dos Santos said."We have to keep doing what we are doing right, which is the culture that we have created."