FLORENCE, Ala. (August 1, 2023) – The University of North Alabama soccer team reported to campus on Monday and completed its first practice of fall camp on Tuesday, marking the official start to the 2023 season.

This year marks the 11th season of Lion soccer under longtime head coach Chris Walker. 

"It's great to get out here," said Chris Walker. "We were really impressed with the fitness levels that everyone came in with, and that really gives us a base to build off of."
 

More from our first day back on the pitch! #RoarLions #soccer #preseason pic.twitter.com/dIUHGqvtcS

— North Alabama Soccer (@UNASoccer) August 1, 2023

Captains

On April 26, head coach Chris Walker named Alice Bussey, Izzi Gurney-Harper and Hannah Guthrie team captains for the 2023 season. Gurney-Harper and Guthrie are entering their fifth year of eligibility, while Bussey is entering her senior season. Bussey led the Lions in goals in 2022 with six. Gurney-Harper earned two ASUN Defensive Player of the week awards in 2022, while Guthrie served on a backline that helped set a UNA Division I record with eight shutouts last season.

"We have high expectations for this season," said Bussey. "The goal is to go and perform but also have fun."


Returning Starters

North Alabama will return seven starters from the 2022 campaign. Forwards Olivia Anderson, Hope Lensing and Alana Watts, as well as defender Malin Andersson, return for the 2023 season alongside the three captains. These four combined for four goals, six assists and 14 points in 2022. These seven returning starters combine for 67 percent of the Lions point production from last season.

Newcomers

The Lions 2023 roster is rounded out with 10 freshmen and eight transfers. Five of the Lion transfers come from Division I schools, including two players who matched up against UNA in 2022. Briana Eads by way of Jacksonville State and Haley Patterson from Austin Peay both made appearances against UNA last season. Eads scored Jacksonville State's lone goal in their match against North Alabama.

"It was great to see the 18 new players shine — put their shine and touch on the team," said Walker.

North Alabama will play in an exhibition match against Middle Tennessee State on August 12 at the Bill Jones Athletic Complex.

The Lions will officially open the regular season on August 17 on the road against Belmont.