West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University’s women’s soccer team will begin its season against St. Ambrose University on August 15 at 5:00 p.m. in Macomb, Illinois.

The Leathernecks are entering the season with a new head coach, Ross Henderson. Henderson previously led Clayton State University’s women’s soccer program from 2021 to 2024. Last year, his team achieved its highest win total since 2019 and tied for the fewest losses in program history with an 8-3-6 record. “Henderson looks to bring his competitive coaching edge to WIU this year.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Ariel Bernard is highlighted as a key player for Western Illinois after recording over 100 saves last season. The team is projected to finish tenth in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), while Tennessee Tech is favored to win the league title.

In preseason play, Western Illinois defeated Jefferson College 7-0 in an exhibition match. Senior Callie McMurtrey contributed several goals during the game.

Ariel Bernard was also named to the roster for the first U.S. Soccer Women’s College Talent ID Camp held this past summer.

St. Ambrose enters Friday’s match following a strong previous season, finishing with a 15-6-2 overall record and winning their conference championship in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). The team scored 68 goals last year, averaging nearly three goals per game.

For updates and information about Western Illinois women’s soccer, fans can visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow the team on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.