UC Clermont women’s soccer team starts new season as defending national champs

The UC Clermont College women’s soccer team kicks off the 2019-20 season as defending national champions in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. This year, Head Coach Blaine Callahan expects the Cougars to build on their growing legacy.

“The expectation is the same, to improve as individuals, as students and as a program overall,” Callahan said. “Each year, we get a little better at everything.”

The biggest challenge for Clermont and Callahan will be establishing strong team chemistry, an essential ingredient to success in soccer. He said a team-first mentality has to be what drives the team.

He will have some talented returning players to kick start that chemistry. Sara Ventura is a four-year starter and an All-American.

“As a four-year captain, she exudes leadership and will be the driving force of the midfield,” Callahan said.

Abbie Flanagan is expected to be a standout senior and Clermont also has a strong sophomore class that includes All-American Angela McLaughlin, Alexis Taylor, Rachel Dorr and Keirah Matlock. Callahan also said he’s excited about his incoming players, including a strong first-year class and some talented transfers.

Callahan said he’s eager to see what this year’s team does well and who establishes themselves as top players. He also said that he likes how his team stacks up compared to other programs in the USCAA, but that the Cougars will take it one game at a time.

“We approach each game the same way regardless of our opponent,” he said. “We prepare the same way, warm up the same way, and that never waivers. So right now, our most important game is our opener at Johnson & Wales.”

The Cougars kick off their title defense on Sept. 6 at Johnson & Wales in Charlotte, North Carolina. See the Cougars' full schedule.