Rockhurst's 2024 women's soccer team features an experienced returning core and a mix of newcomers. Their season begins with a two-match trip to Hays, Kansas to face Colorado State Pueblo on Saturday at 1 pm and Fort Hays State on Monday at 1 p.m.

How well the team gels together as a team will be critical to the Hawks' upcoming season.

"We graduated a few key student-athletes who played a lot of minutes during their time in a Rockhurst uniform," head coach Greg Herdlick said. "To find their replacements and integrate the newcomers with the returning core group will be the main key for a successful season."

Senior defender Jacqueline Nieters and junior forward Anna Lantz both return for the 2024 season. Lantz was named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-Midwest First Team and earned All-GLVC First Team honors. She scored 11 goals, which was second in the GLVC and led the GLVC with 28 points. 

Lantz also had six game-winning goals with six assists as Nieters received All-GLVC Second Team honors and led last year's team with 1,610 minutes played. 

The Hawks also return fifth-year senior forward Ellie Kimball and senior goalkeeper Taylor James. Kimball was tied for second on the team in both shots (41) and points (eight). James has a career total of 124 saves in her three seasons at Rockhurst. 

Rockhurst has advanced to the GLVC Tournament the past two seasons and won the GLVC regular season crown in 2022. As the 2024 season nears, Herdlick is optimistic about the Hawks.

"As a new season begins, everyone has an optimistic outlook," Herdlick said. "A new season means a new record. It's time to see the hard work put in during the pre-season translate to when the games matter."

Joining James, Nieters and Kimball as seniors is defender Patti Ehrnman and midfielders Gabby Hennessy, Olivia Schwarzen and Jessica Grayek.

Quinn Conroy and Jacie Tottleben are back as sophomores. As a freshman, Tottleben played in all 18 matches last season, scored three goals on 12 shots and recorded six points. Conroy played in 18 games, started 17 and had 11 shots with four on goal.

Rockhurst also welcomes seven newcomers, including six freshmen and a sophomore: defenders Kaitlyn Hobart and Grace Klemp, forward Elizabeth Mertzlufft, goalkeeper Madison Mertzlufft, defender Lucy Molitor, goalkeeper Ally Moore (from Arkansas State University) and midfielder Julia Witt.

Herdlick likes the team chemistry heading into the start of the season.

"It's hard to believe that pre-season is over as it takes a lot to gel in such a short time and be ready for the season," Herdlick said. "I believe there is good chemistry and continuity within the group off the field and hoping that translates on the field."