Women’s soccer beats No. 4 team, aims for GPAC dominance
Bulldog senior midfielder Taylor Slaymaker.
Photo credit: Ben Meyer
By Aaron Spivey and William Swanson
This story is featured in the September print edition of the Sower newspaper.
Concordia’s women’s soccer team stormed into the 2025 season with a 4–0–2 record, highlighted by a program-defining win over Missouri’s No. 4 Columbia College.
Coach Nick Smith credited the Bulldogs’ tough non-conference schedule for sharpening their edge early.
“We wanted to be tested, and sitting 4-0-2 with half our opponents ranked shows our potential,” Smith said. “This team is deep, hungry, and refuses to settle.”
That depth has been a difference-maker. A strong freshman class has made immediate contributions, while returning players continue to grow. Senior midfielder Taylor Slaymaker said the team’s culture sets them apart.
“Our atmosphere has been huge,” she said. “We push each other, and our depth keeps us fresh. Add in coach Smith’s preparation and care, and it gives us a real edge.”
After making history last season by winning their first game at nationals, the Bulldogs are now chasing even bigger goals: conference titles, a national ranking, and a trip to the final site.
“Our goals are to win GPAC—both the regular season and the tournament—and reach the final site at nationals,” Slaymaker said. “We’d also like to be nationally ranked. We just beat the No. 4 team and tied No. 23. These are realistic goals for us as long as we keep growing and playing to our potential.”
Smith agreed and believes that they have everything it takes to make a successful season.
“We have the talent and leadership to achieve everything we’ve set our sights on,” Smith said. “Now it’s about staying focused and finishing strong.”
Concordia’s women’s soccer team will begin its Great Plains Athletic Conference season on Sept. 20 away at Northwestern. The next home contest is Sept. 24 as the Bulldogs host the College of Saint Mary at 3 p.m.
