Pensacola, FL- 

The Oklahoma Wesleyan University Women's Soccer team delivered a remarkable 2025 season, cementing their status as one of the premier programs in the NAIA. The Lady Eagles finished with an outstanding 20-2-2 overall record and a perfect 13-0 mark in KCAC conference play, showcasing dominance on both ends of the field.  

From the opening whistle in August, OKWU set the tone with decisive wins, including a 4-0 victory over Central Methodist and a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against Lindsey Wilson. Their only loss came early in non-conference play against Missouri Valley, but the team quickly rebounded and embarked on an incredible unbeaten streak that carried through the regular season and conference tournament.  

The Lady Eagles' offensive firepower was on full display this 2025 season, recording a total of 84 goals with a 3.46 goals average. The Lady Eagles had a number of games scoring 5 goals or more, and that included an impressive double-digit goal match against Bethel College (10-0). Defensively, they were equally impressive, allowing just a handful of goals all season while posting numerous shutouts.  

Following another dominant season, the Lady Eagles were well represented in the 2025 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference All-Conference selections. The Lady Eagles claimed four of the league's top individual awards and placed nine players on All-KCAC teams after completing a perfect 13-0-0 conference run.   

Laura Gieseler, Senior Forward, headlined the honors as KCAC Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year, leading the conference with 21 goals and 45 total points.  

Elise Lofnertz, Junior Defender, earned KCAC Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season, anchoring a back line that ranks first in the NAIA in goals allowed (just four all season), with a goals-against average of 0.20 and 16 shutouts.  

Alessandra Martinez, Sophomore Goalkeeper, was named KCAC Goalkeeper of the Year, contributing 12 clean sheets in conference play.  

Head Coach Ivan Ristic received KCAC Coach of the Year for the sixth consecutive season, continuing his impressive run of success.  

In addition to these awards, nine Lady Eagles earned First Team All-KCAC recognition:  

Laura Gieseler (Sr., Forward, Brazil)  

Kylie Reif (Sr., Forward, Indiana)  

Wendy Jimenez (Sr., Midfielder, Mexico)  

Linn Joelsson (Jr., Midfielder, Sweden)  

Isabelle Simoneau (So., Midfielder, Nevada)  

Elise Lofnertz (Jr., Defender, Sweden)  

Ana Chavez (So., Defender, Ecuador)  

Tessa Edwards (Sr., Defender, Oklahoma)  

Alessandra Martinez (So., Goalkeeper, Texas)  

The Lady Eagles' complete sweep of the major KCAC awards underscores their remarkable consistency and teamwork throughout the season. OKWU entered the postseason as both the KCAC regular-season and tournament champions. Their dominance earned national recognition as OKWU climbed to No. 5 in the NAIA national rankings, a program milestone that reflects their consistency and talent.  

Beyond the stats, the Lady Eagles displayed resilience and teamwork, with standout performances from a deep roster that thrived under pressure. Their success not only secured the KCAC Championship but also set the stage for a strong showing in the NAIA National Tournament. 

OKWU's unforgettable season concluded on December 6 in Pensacola, Florida, as the Lady Eagles made their first-ever NAIA National Semifinal appearance, falling 1-0 to the University of the Cumberlands. The tightly contested match showcased the grit and determination that defined OKWU's season. 

Cumberlands struck in the 31st minute when Cumberlands converted a free kick from 30 yards out for the game's only goal. Despite the setback, Oklahoma Wesleyan fought valiantly, outshooting their opponent 7-4 in the second half and generating multiple scoring chances. Linn Joelsson nearly equalized in the 49th minute and had help with late efforts from Isabelle Simoneau and Marilia Constantinou but were denied by Cumberlands' goalkeeper. 

Goalkeeper Alessandra Martinez was stellar, recording eight saves to keep OKWU within striking distance. The Lady Eagles finished with 11 shots and six on goal, compared to Cumberlands' 22 shots and nine on frame, in a match that highlighted their resilience and competitive spirit until the final whistle. 

We are proud and thankful for this 2025 OKWU Women's Soccer team for their outstanding performance they have displayed. It can be said without a doubt that that we are looking to what comes next year for the Lady Eagles and have no doubt they will have another phenomenal season. Go Eagles!