MADISON, Wis. – The 41st season of Wisconsin women’s soccer kicks off this week as the Badgers visit the Lone Star State for matchups against TCU and Baylor.
Wisconsin will take on the No. 7 Horned Frogs on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. in the season opener before visiting the Bears on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. Both matches will be streamed live on ESPN+.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
1. LOOKING BACK: The Badgers made their 23rd NCAA Tournament appearance and advanced to their third Sweet 16 in the last four seasons in 2021. Overall, the Badgers finished with a 10-6-6 record, which included a 3-3-4 clip in conference matches.
2. PRESEASON PICKS: Emma Jaskaniec, Aidan McConnell and Natalie Viggiano each earned their first preseason honors as the trio represented Wisconsin on the Big Ten Players to Watch List. As a team, the Badgers were predicted to finish fourth in the league’s preseason poll.
3. STICKING POINTS: Wisconsin returns its top three scorers from last season in Jaskaniec, Viggiano and Claire Odmark. Jaskaniec led the team in goals (9) and points (22), while Viggiano followed right behind with eight goals and 21 points. Odmark produced four goals and provided one assist. The trio combined for 62% of the team’s offensive output last season.
4. NEW IN NET: The Badgers will look to replace Jordyn Bloomer, who started in each of the last four seasons and was a two-time Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year. Wisconsin will have a trio of options in Lily Rawnsley, Alex LaQuaglia and Erin McKinney.
5. ON THE SIDELINES: Head coach Paula Wilkins, a six-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, enters her 16th season at the helm of the Badgers. Becca Harrison, a former team captain and 2018 graduate, enters her first season on Wilkin’s staff as an assistant coach.
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