Buena Vista, VA — The Southern Virginia University women's soccer team closed out a memorable 2025 season with a 12-6-2 record, marking their fourth 10-plus win season in the last five years and their fourth straight trip to the USA South Conference Championship match.
What began as a challenging opening stretch quickly became one of the most exciting turnarounds in program history, as the Knights rebounded from an 0-4-1 start to finish 9-3 the rest of the way and dominate conference play with an 8-1 record. Along the way, they battled national powers Christopher Newport and Washington & Lee to competitive, narrow losses that highlighted the team's toughness and growth.
One of the defining moments of the season came in an 11–0 victory over William Peace, where the Knights shattered NCAA-era program records for goals (11) and assists (11) in a game. Their offensive explosiveness carried throughout the fall, where they finished among the top teams in the nation, ranking in the top 20 nationally in total goals, total points, shots on goal per game, scoring offense, assists per game, and points per game. It was one of the most prolific offensive seasons the program has produced since joining NCAA Division III.
Much of that firepower came from two dynamic freshmen — Delin Peterson and Xoie Warner — who made immediate program history. Each recorded a four-goal game during the season, setting the NCAA-era single-game goals record, and both finished the year with 17 goals, the most in a single season since joining the NCAA. Peterson also broke the USA South Tournament record for assists in a game with five, while Warner tied the all-time tournament record with six goals. Peterson became the first Knight ever named USA South Rookie of the Year, finishing her remarkable freshman campaign with 17 goals and 14 assists — the latter tying the program record set in 2002.
The Knights were anchored by an exceptional senior class whose leadership carried the team through its postseason run. Hailey Gadd a senior defender and captain capped off her career by setting the all-time program record for minutes played (6,387), earning her third All-Conference selection and recording a career-best five goals. Senior midfielder and captain Courtney Montes also delivered her strongest season yet, posting career highs in goals (8), assists (6), and minutes played (1,578), elevating the Knights' midfield with her firepower and experience.
The team's deep freshman class also made its mark beyond Peterson and Warner. Goalkeeper Beth Manwill emerged as one of the conference's top shot-stoppers, earning All-Conference honors with a 1.075 goals-against average, .839 save percentage, and three shutouts. Ashley Hamblin and McKenna Currey both made immediate impacts and secured All-Conference recognition, helping define the Knights' young core alongside several returning contributors.
The Knights' success was strengthened by their impressive depth. Players like Tessa Miller, Estee Schneider, Emily Rosenbaum, Matia Murray, and Rachel Bodkin delivered critical minutes in the midfield and on the back line, providing stability and consistency in key stretches of the season. On the attacking side, Ashlee Kelsey and Desana Grabarczyk added valuable pressure in the final third, helping maintain the team's dynamic offensive presence.
The roster's depth was further shaped by a strong senior class, with Lauren Madsen, Abbie Simister, Sydney Bastian, and Brynnly Julian all offering veteran leadership and on-field impact. In goal, the four-keeper unit of Beth Manwill, Chloe Miller, Ruth Sumner, and Lakyn Hansen formed one of the most reliable defensive groups in program history—allowing only 18 goals all season and contributing to an outstanding 70–18 goal differential.
The Knights also benefited from the leadership and steady play of seniors Natalie Blaser, Ruth Sumner, Courtney Pack, and Addison Newman, each playing essential roles in guiding a young, talented squad through one of the program's most memorable seasons.
The Knights placed four players on the USA South All-Tournament Team — Peterson, Warner, Currey, and defender Sydney Bastian — further showcasing the team's depth and postseason talent.
With a blend of record-setting seniors and a historic freshman class, the 2025 Knights solidified themselves as one of the premier teams in the USA South and one of the most dangerous offensive squads in the nation. As the program looks toward next season, the foundation laid this fall promises an exciting and bright future ahead.
For more updates and details on the women's soccer team, follow @knight_wsoc on Instagram and visit knightathletics.com.
