Sept. 21 marked the beginning of the Northwest Conference season for the Whitworth women’s soccer team. The team has played multiple preseason games and exhibitions to help solidify the dynamics and synergy going into the season.  

The team played against George Fox University and Pacific University over the weekend, where they tied against George Fox 0-0 and beat Pacific’s team 1-0. The team played against Whitman University next and continued their conference season well into November.  

“George Fox is always a team that’s going to be like a battle, a fight,” explained coach Cameron Bushéy. “I don’t know if the foul count will be high, but for sure, the game will be physical, and so we’ve got to be ready for that kind of game.” As for the Pacific, “They typically play a little more philosophically, like we do.” Whitworth and George Fox both had six fouls called on them each game, and Whitman had 11. 

Whitworth soccer alumni Cameron Bushéy took over the women’s soccer program as the head coach three years ago and has made it his goal to shape the program into something long-lasting and competitive. Bushéy emphasized, “The main theme this year has been to solidify who we are, to really value the work that we’ve done over the past two years, and then try to get more and more from it in this season”. 

The women’s soccer team has been on campus, preparing for their season since before the school year started. Bushéy is heading into the season with confidence, saying, “I like the maturity that we’ve brought, that aim that we have to feel like we’re solidifying in year three. It’s happened, and now we get to start conference play this weekend.” The team is still relatively young, as six freshmen and three transfers were recruited to join the 22 returners. “I’m excited to see conference play,” exclaimed a freshman on the team, Ayanna Tobeck. “We all have the same goals as our coach. To win the conference, to get better as a team.” 

The women’s team knew what to expect going into their first games. When it comes to game play, the team aims to focus on possession in passing and control. “We like to control the ball, pass more” said Bushéy. 

Among that, the Whitworth student section and overall spectator levels help encourage the team with energy and support. The crowds are filled with students, other athletes and community support. Bushéy says, “(The atmosphere is) really fun to play in and really fun to coach in.” 

The Whitworth women’s soccer season consists of 16 games over the next two months. Bushéy explains, “We’re trying to win it all. That’s the goal. That’s the aim, to win a trophy and finish first place.”