Soccer Announces 2025 Roster and Schedule
BATTLE CREEK -- Head coach Levi Butcher and the Back-to-Back Region XII Champion women's soccer program have announced the schedule for the upcoming 2025 season. The Bruins are set to play a total of 16 regular season matches, including 15 against Region XII opponents, 9 as part of MCCAA action and 6 at home.
The soccer team returns twelve from last year's Region XII Championship and 18th nationally ranked team and bring in ten newcomers for this fall. The returners are led by defenders Aubrie Evans and Sophia Thawnghmung, midfielder Mallory Semelbauer, goalkeeper Miriam Hibbard, and wingers Evelyn Alward and Kendall Wank. Also returning for the Bruins are midfielder Rachel Meyer, forward Reese Lessig, midfielder/goalkeeper Emma Hawkins, winger Emily Katz, and defenders Leah Kiss and Madison Wallace.
Newcomers for the Bruins will be led by midfielders Mayeli Diaz and Paige McDonald, forwards Kyra Gardner and Raegan Morrison, and defenders Kaeli Mason and Haylie Kinney. Other incoming players include defenders Katie Arnold, Kirra Budreau, and Tessa Miller, and goalkeeper Taylor Havilar.
"We are very excited headed into the 2025 season and think we have put together a squad that can compete for another Region XII title," said Butcher, who is coming off back-to-back Region XII Coach of the Year honors. "That said, we know that winning three in a row is a difficult task. We are confident in our sophomores' ability to pick up right where they left off last season. Our incoming class is a good one top to bottom with players who are talented, versatile, and will fit in well with our group. Above all, we are looking forward to seeing this group come together and take on the rigors that the season throws at them."
The Bruins have two preseason scrimmages, including one at home before they begin their fall campaign on Wednesday, August 27th at Grand Rapids Community College. Bruin soccer will host six home games on KCC's North Avenue Campus this fall. The home opener will be on Sunday, September 7th as the Bruins host Marian University Ancilla College. The annual Blaze of Glory Tailgate Game will be held on Wednesday, September 17th when the Bruins host Muskegon Community College.
Following the conclusion of the regular season on October 22nd at Lake Michigan College, the top four seeds in Region XII will head to the Region XII Championship in Marysville on November 1-2. The winner will travel to the Great Lakes District Tournament November 8th at Region 24. The District Champion will advance to the NJCAA DII Women's Soccer Championships in Wichita, KS from November 16-22 for the 12-team tournament.
Butcher noted, "Ultimately, every season at the JUCO level brings with it a brand-new team and a new set of challenges. You never know how the season will play out, but we feel like we're in a good spot with this squad and are excited for the journey."
For the full schedule and roster, visit www.kelloggbruins.com.