UWRF women's soccer team bond leads to team success
October 13, 2022
UW-River Falls women’s soccer finished the first month of their season undefeated. In 2021, they finished the season with a 6-11-2 record. So far they have a 9-2-2 record in the 2022 season.
UWRF women’s soccer Head Coach, Sean McKuras, says the team is competing in one of the toughest conferences in the country, but that they are ready for the challenge.
When asked what his favorite memories of this season McKuras replied, “on the road at Morris, the score was not the best, but they never looked nervous.”
Head Coach Sean McKuras, says, “living our culture” is what is responsible for the team’s success. The roster is nearly the same as it was last year and, in addition to creating a strong culture, McKuras, along with numerous players, agreed that it was not magic, but hard work in the off-season that brought them this far.
Fifth-year student athlete, Alayna Westerman, said, “I have seen many versions of this team, and we got a good one this year.”
Balancing sports and school is not easy but according to McKuras, “the women have risen to the occasion.” The typical week in the life of these soccer players involves classes during the day, weightlifting on Monday and Friday, games on Wednesday and Saturday, and studying together on Thursdays.
Sophomore defender, Kaylee Walter, accredits her family and teammates as her inspiration.
Countless players have recognized the bus rides to and from games as one of the most fun aspects of being on this team.
Sophomore forward, Aliviah McClinton, says her go-to pregame song is “UCLA” by RL Grime. Junior defender Abby Tapanila’s preferred pregame song is “m.A.A.d city” by Kendrick Lamar and MC Eiht.
McKuras said one of his favorite times is “walking down the hallway pregame and being able to feel the bass from the other end of the hall.”
McKuras also commented on how the support and crowds at home games have been tremendous. This atmosphere is the reason many players decided to join the team at UW-River Falls.