Since dropping their first match to No. 24-ranked College of New Jersey, the Washington and Lee women’s soccer team has dominated on both sides of the field. Their 12-game undefeated streak has propelled the Gennies far up the national ranks to No. 6 in the DIII United Soccer Coaches poll, which is their highest ranking since 2009.
Players said their key to success is all about good energy before, during and after games and strong relationships both on the field and in everyday life.
“The energy on the team right now is incredibly positive,” said forward Sophie Berman, ’26, who notched two goals on Oct. 9 against Averett University. “We’re extremely talented, which helps, but there’s a sense of camaraderie that makes practice and games enjoyable. No matter your role on the team, everyone is constantly supporting each other.”
This culture of positivity and support has been on display in big moments for the Generals this season, especially in difficult moments. “[Our team culture] has helped us stay composed and positive towards each other even in tough game situations,” said defender Amelia Manke, ’27. “For example, we went down early 0-1 against Randolph-Macon, but we were able to come back and win 4-1.”
Integrating new players into the team’s dynamic has also been intrinsic to the Generals’ success, defensive leader Bryn Bissinger, ’26, said.
“Our team only has two seniors, which of course was a little scary heading into the season,” said Bissinger, a first team all-ODAC (Old Dominion Athletic Conference) selection last season. “As a defender, I can say for certain that even though we have two young outside backs, they’ve worked hard to become confident and contributing players. This speaks a lot to our leadership this year and the entire returning team’s commitment toward the development and support of the first years.”
First-years have contributed in big ways in every game, too. Midfielder Megan Zimmerman, ’28, has already established herself as one of the team’s top players, leading the Generals’ attack with five goals already scored on the season.
Despite the team’s recent success, players are not getting complacent. “We need to focus on the next game in front of us,” said captain Sarah Zimmerman, ’26, who was also a first team all-ODAC selection last season. “We need to continue to play how we have been playing and finish out the regular season first before we focus on post-season runs.”
According to Zimmerman, this collective mindset is the reason for the team’s strength this year. “I feel like there has been an attitude change from previous years…this season, the team is all in. We know how talented we can be, and we know what it takes to win important games, and people are willing to put in the work to make it happen,” she said.
The Generals’ attack has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 21.5 shots and 2.9 goals per game. On the other side of the pitch, the defense unit has been a brick wall so far. They’ve allowed an average of only 0.36 goals against per game, which is the lowest in the ODAC.
Even in the rare instance that an opponent does sneak past the defensive wall, the outcome will likely be a defensive stop. Goalkeeper Abby Groff, ’26, currently boasts an impressive .880 save percentage this season with 22 saves in 11 games played. Groff was awarded ODAC Defensive Player of the Week after two consecutive shutouts and a dominant performance against No. 20 William Smith College.
The Generals will close out a three game road trip this Wednesday against Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg at 7 p.m. after beating Sweet Briar College on Saturday and tying with No. 3 Christopher Newport University on Sunday.
