ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington Women's Soccer prepares to embark on their 2023 campaign kicking off the regular season this week at the SPU Kickoff Classic in Seattle. The 'Cats play Cal Poly Humboldt Thursday at 3:30 p.m. before squaring off against Westminster on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Head Coach Lindsey Lee had the following to say about the tournament matches, "It is going to be a tough matchup. Grant does a great job with his program, so I am excited to see how we play against each other. Westminster is an athletic team, and it will be a fun matchup."
 
Lindsey adds, "We have a tough schedule this fall, and this group is perfectly prepared for it. We as a team have a goal to dominate; in the way they show up to camp, the way they compete, the way they pick each other up. In every facet, they want to be THE team and they will."
 
The Wildcats look to improve on their 2022 campaign where they went 3-11-4 and picked up wins against Saint Martin's and San Francisco State.

Head Coach Lindsey Lee worked hard in the off season to secure eight new players for the program. The Wildcats welcomed four defenders, one midfielder, two forwards, and a goalkeeper.

Emily Darcy, Kass Jaggard, and Jordan Bartlow are key pieces all returning to the team. Last season Darcy led the team, scoring eight goals. Bartlow had four goals and nine points on the season, and Kass Jaggard made 77 saves on 15 starts.

Darcy spoke on the team's goals and confidence going into 2023 play, "As a team we are very excited for the upcoming season and to welcome in our new players. We have been training hard this off-season to be a dominating team on and off the field."

Darcy adds, "Coach Lindsey has built a new level of play and commitment for this fall, and the team is dedicated to putting in the effort needed to become the best team we can be. As a team we have overcome many obstacles and we can't wait to show what CWU women's soccer represents in this upcoming season."
 
Junior Casey Park and Sophomore Stacia Conely return to the lineup after injuries sidelined them for the 2022 season. Both forwards logged crucial minutes for the 'Cats in 2021. Park scored three goals and had one assist in 2021 and Conely had a goal and an assist.

The 'Cats have 11 Seniors on the squad, Coach Lee expressed excitement for what they can do this season.
 
"Each of them has given so much to this program. These women have gone through it during their collegiate experience, from a lost season to coaching changes. We are so excited to watch them lead this team this season."
 
Historically Central Washington is 4-6 against Cal Poly Humboldt. Their last matchup was on September 10, 2021, where Cal Poly Humboldt prevailed 4-1.