Hattiesburg, MS- A new day is beginning for William Carey women's soccer. Head Coach Danny Owens is entering his sixth season at the helm of the Lady Crusaders but faces the daunting task of replacing  nine members of the 2009 senior class that posted a 67-14-3 record, captured three conference titles, and made back -to-back appearances in the NAIA national tournament.

Owens returns 11 letter-winners led by seniors Natalia Nino and Jackie DeNova from last season's team that went 20-2-1 and finished the season ranked third in the NAIA.  Last season, Nino finished second on the team in goals scored (16) and second in total points (37). DeNova was stellar in the goal allowing just 14 goals in 17 games while recording 77 saves.

"I am very excited to have Jackie and Natalia back this year.  Jackie did very well for us and can win us a game with her ability in the net.   Natalia brings in a load of energy in the midfield and leads by example.  To be honest, I am excited for all the players who are returning.  We had a number of girls that could have played for us last year, but with so many seniors, they had to wait their turn.  There will not be as much of a learning curve for these girls and I ,expect them to come in and contribute right away.  Although not everyone has played a ton of minutes, they have been around and understand what is required to win"

Not returning from last season's team is Third Team All-American midfielder Aimi Beresford, honorable mention All-American Jeana Erickson, plus starting defenders Hannah Johnson, Brittany Doyle, and Chelsey Phillips.

Owens has added newcomers Emily Cobena, Mary Killebrew, Kristen Satcher, Emelie Johansson, Victoria Salas, Stephaine Wilson, Jessica Salas, Macie Foreman, Nicole Bryant, Malin Barrulf, Emily Doyle, Jessica Karlen, Ashton Wells, Sasha Rodriguez, and Irene Henriksson for the 2010 season.

"I feel the players we have brought in this year could be our best recruiting class from top to bottom.  The girls are very technical, and we have improved our overall team speed with this class.  Not all are freshman, so even though they are new, they are not young."

The Lady Crusaders closed out their time as members of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference by capturing three straight GCAC championships. WCU will look to keep that streak alive with their move to the Southern States Athletic Conference. WCU will compete in the west division against the likes of Belhaven University, Auburn University-Montgomery (AUM), Faulkner University, Spring Hill College, and the University of Mobile.

The Lady Crusaders will open the season ranked 9th in the NAIA Women's Soccer Coaches' Preseason Top 25. Fellow SSAC member Lee University grabbed the top spot in the poll while AUM enters the poll ranked 13th. 

WCU's 2010 seventeen game schedule features home contest against LSU-Shreveport (9/10), Northwood University (9/11), Union (9/24), Auburn Montgomery (10/23), and Spring Hill (10/26). The Lady Crusaders will also have Top 25 showdowns against  #5 Azusa Pacific (10/16),  #10 Indiana Wesleyan (10/18), and #4 Lindsey Wilson (10/8).

The Lady Crusaders open the 2010 season on August 27 as they travel to Brownsville, Texas, to take on University of Houston-Victoria.