Florence, Ala. – University of Head Women's Soccer Coach Chris Walker has announced that Izzi Gurney-Harper, Hannah Guthrie and Alice Bussey will captain the Lions for the 2023 campaign.

Gurney-Harper and Guthrie are veterans who will use their final year of eligibility with the Lions in 2023, while Bussey, a senior, will accompany the fifth-year seniors with the armband.

Gurney-Harper, from Corona, Calif., has anchored the middle of the pitch and logged over 3,000 minutes during her career as a Lion. She also earned two ASUN Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2022.
 
"I am super grateful for the opportunity to come back to UNA for my fifth year," she said. "I knew at the end of the 2022 season that I wasn't done improving and have more to give to the sport. It has been a blessing not only to play Division I soccer, but receive an education not all are privileged enough to get. I have loved being a part of this program and have seen significant growth, both personally and as a team. I'm excited to be able to play with my teammates again and meet the new group coming in, as this team has been even more special with each new class. I know this program will only grow and improve. Our goals and standards are high and I'm excited to be a part of the competition, both within the team and the ASUN that the 2023 season will bring. My hope is that my experience and leadership will help drive this team toward the success we will be working hard all summer for. We look forward to playing this fall and hope to have your continued support."

A Gulf Shores, Alabama native, Guthrie brings back a wealth of experience for the Lions. She has logged 5,295 minutes and has 58 starts on the UNA backline in her career.

"Being a member of the UNA soccer team has been the greatest blessing for the last four years, and I'm beyond excited to announce my return for a fifth and final year at UNA" she said. "Having the opportunity to play with this amazing group of women and for this program for another year was something I couldn't pass up. I'm excited to see what this upcoming season will bring. I want to leave a lasting impact at North Alabama and lead our team through what could be our best season yet as a DI program."

Bussey, from Hythe, England, was the Lions' 2022 leader in goals and points. She was an All-ASUN Conference selection and was voted All-South Region by the United Soccer Coaches.

"I'm really grateful for this opportunity to be a leader on and off the field," said Bussey. "I'm super excited to see Izzi and Hannah return for their fifth year and to see what the fall has in store for this team!"

North Alabama will open its regular season on August 17 against Belmont in Nashville.