Women’s soccer highlight

The Oklahoma Christian University women’s soccer team has faced its fair share of challenges this season, but through it all, their focus has remained steady: playing for something far greater than wins and losses.

“It’s been pretty difficult,” said junior Callaway Scott. “We faced a lot of challenges with losing a ton of seniors. We brought in some freshmen, but a lot have been hurt and we’ve just had a ton of injuries. It’s been quite a bit of a transition where we’re learning to play a new style and moving people around a lot.”

Despite the rocky start, Scott remains confident that the team’s perseverance will begin to pay off. 

“I think our turnouts are going to start curving our way as we get in the flow of things,” Scott said.

Head coach Evan Dresel agrees that the season has been one of growth and transition, but also one filled with promise. 

“We lost a great group of about ten players, a lot of good people, not just on the field but off it as well,” Dresel said. “But the girls have come in ready, and everyone is contributing.”

Among those new contributors are a number of freshmen and transfers who have stepped up early. 

“Recruitment went great this season,” Dresel said. “We’ve got a lot of new girls that will contribute great minutes to the team. Already, Lyla Marrs, who is a true freshman, has been playing 90 minutes a game at center back. We also have a transfer named Sophie Placke that has scored a few goals and has been great for us.”

While results on the scoreboard have not always gone their way, the Lady Eagles are keeping their motivation grounded in their shared faith.

“We’re staying motivated by trying to find why we’re playing,” Scott said. “We’re all here at a Christian school to play for Jesus and do it for His glory. No matter what spot we have on the team — whether it’s playing the whole game, a few minutes, or even just sitting on the bench, we try to lift up our team and build it on the foundation that we’re playing for Jesus Christ.”

That faith-driven mindset has helped the team stay united through a season full of adversity. 

“We’re just going to have to put our heads down and grit this season out,” Scott said. “We’re at a difficult spot where we really need to get some results, but I think working hard and realizing what each other needs is what’s going to bring us together.”

Coach Dresel sees this same resilience as a sign of what is ahead for the program. 

“I expect a lot of growth out of us this year,” he said. “It’s all about which players step up in the key moments of games. We’ve already seen some new faces have big moments, and our returners have done awesome, setting the standard for what we expect in the program.”

And as the team continues to battle through the second half of the season, they are asking for the Oklahoma Christian community to join them in the fight. 

“The student body should expect an exciting brand of soccer,” Dresel said. “We work very hard and go deep into our bench. These games are so close that we need every advantage we can get, especially at home. We need as much student support as possible!”

For the Lady Eagles, the season is not just about chasing wins. It is about representing their faith, each other, and Oklahoma Christian with pride.

“Our expectation,” Dresel said, “is that we get better every day, compete with everything we have, and give OC a team to be proud of.”

With the season rounding up, the Eagles are still in playoff contention but need to finish strong.