By Jenx Ervin

The Greensboro College women’s soccer team opened the season with a record of 2-2-1(2 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw) while facing challenges on and off the field. With two of the team’s top players out due to injury, the Pride has had to adjust their line up and findnew ways to compete. Despite the recent challenges, the team is taking the approach to using the non-conference schedule as an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming conference season.

“We are learning how to play without two of our top players who are out with injury,” says Coach Johnston. “We have played a challenging schedule to prepare us for conference play and are using our non-conference slate to make us much better for the start of conference play.”

One of the things that impressed Coach Johnston the most has been the team’s ability to adapt. The Pride has faced many opponents with different play styles and has been able to adjust while simultaneously giving other players opportunities to step up into bigger roles. Johnston said he was especially proud of the players who have stepped up during games and practices.

One player who has made an early impact this season is Shae Brennan. Brennan has moved positions to center back and has become an important leader for the Pride. Explained by Coach Johnston, Brennan has provided leadership through not only her actions on and off the field, but
also through communication with her teammates.

While the team has shown resilience, there are still areas that lack and need improvement. The biggest focus moving forward is the attack.

“The Pride has talented attacking players, but the team wants to become more efficient,” says Johnston.

As chemistry and communication continue to develop with the young group, building that connection takes time; however, Johnston says he is proud of the team’s effort and believes
chemistry is improving daily.

Looking ahead, the Pride has clear established goals for the remainder of the season. The team hopes to put themselves in the position to host a home playoff game and compete for a conference championship. To accomplish these goals, the Pride will stay committed to their style of play and continue to be efficient attacking. After the first five games, there is one thing that is very clear, the 2026 GC women’s soccer team is a resilient group of girls. As conference play approaches, the Pride will continue to build resilience and improve chemistry on and off the field together.