United States Coast Guard Academy - Department of Athletics - Women's Soccer

Coast Guard looks to turn things around this season after an injury riddled season saw the Bears drop their final nine games of the season to finish 4-13 overall and 0-9 in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC).

This season, first year head coach Susan Grant welcomes back a veteran group that includes eight starters and 14 letterwinners returning.

Sophomore Katie Kurek, who led the team with four goals last season returns along with junior Emma Marr, who appeared in 13 games a year ago, at the forward spots. Senior Katie Ustler, who missed nine game due to injury last season and junior KC Gaudette, who made seven starts a year ago will also see time up front.

The Bears return a very solid midfield which features a trio of juniors that are returning starters. Jen Ferreira, tri-captain Lynn Schrayshuen and Mary Morgan all return and will be joined by sophomore Morgan Biddick.

Junior Meaghan Gies and freshman Jenna Carpenter will also see time in the midfield this season.

Senior tri-captain Stacy Chmielecki, who missed the final eight games due to injury this season, will be joined by returning starters sophomore Katie Braynard and junior Kristi Butler to solidity the Bears defense. Freshman Meridith Palo will join the veteran trio and start. Juniors Whitney Troutman and Brandy Kinstle, an exchange cadet from Army, will both see time as defenders.

Junior Trish Ohle returns in goal for the Bears. She was 4-12 last season with a 2.26 goals against average and four shutouts. Freshman Eva Daly will backup at the goalkeeper spot.

“This group is ready to put the past behind them and start with a clean slate,” said Grant. “Everyone is working very hard in the preseason, pushing themselves and pushing each other, they want to improve. We want to be competitive each time out and if we stay healthy that can be obtainable.”