BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The NEC has announced the women's soccer preseason coaches' poll for the 2025 season. The Chicago State University women's soccer team will enter their second season in the NEC voted to finish 11th in 2025.
Coming off a 1-13-2 overall record and 1-7-2 conference play record in 2024, the Cougar are ready and poised for an exciting season under first year head coach Kevin Larry, as he takes the helm ready to lead the Cougars in 2025. Chicago State will look to use their experience to their on field attack. Key returners for the Cougars include Veronika Avila entering her senior season. She currently has 51 career games played with 48 career starts, including all 16 games from last season. Avila also scored one goal in the 2024 season. Sophomore Maya Dixon is coming off a strong freshman season after playing in all 16 games last season with one goal scored in her freshman campaign. The Cougars will look to utilize transfer Renee Davis on the field as well. The junior midfielder has two goals and one assist in her career. Saige Thor returns for her final season after having one assist last season. She has also played 44 career games adding to the already impressive list of in-game experience on the field for Chicago State. Key freshman players to keep an eye on include Kylena Paredes, Izabella Kilgore, and goalkeeper Aviana Gutierrez who look to provide immediate contributions to the team.
Head coach Kevin Larry on his team: "It's a new day, and we are trying to change the narrative on how the country views Chicago State Soccer. We have returners and newcomers who are hungry to leave a stamp on their legacy here at Chicago State."
Larry also stated his excitement in his first season at Chicago State: "This is a new challenge for me. I have a few butterflies but I am excited to hit the ground running and test my ability as a coach in the NEC."
The Chicago State Women's soccer team open up their season on Thursday, August 14 as they travel to north Chicago to take on DePaul University at 4:00 PM. The Cougars' home opener will be on Sunday, August 17 as they host Southern Illinois-Edwardsville from Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep at 1:00 PM.
