STU Tommies Women’s Soccer Season Preview: Eyes on the Playoffs and Beyond
Fredericton, NB - As the 2025 ACAA season approaches, Tommies women’s soccer team is back with renewed focus and a hunger to take the next step. After a competitive 2024 campaign that saw them narrowly miss the playoffs by a single point, the Tommies are using that heartbreak as fuel—and they’re ready to prove they belong among the conference’s elite.
Looking back at last season, the season left both disappointment and pride. The Tommies battled in every match, earning hard-fought draws against opponents who had outplayed them in previous years. Although the playoffs slipped through their fingers by the smallest of margins, the foundation is undeniably strong.
“Last year really highlighted how close we are,” said Head Coach Itoafa. “So many games came down to one moment—a final ball or a decisive defensive play. But the progress we made is real. We were right there, and that’s given us clarity and motivation.”
The narrow miss reshaped how the team approached the offseason—winter training was about more than just fitness. It became a commitment to discipline, attention to detail, and building the right daily habits.
“We’ve been putting in a lot of work during the preseason, and we feel there are promising things ahead. Our goals are set higher this year, and we’re confident we can achieve a stronger outcome than last season.” — Alice Vautour
One of the most exciting storylines this season is the incoming recruiting class. For the first time in program history, six players are arriving from outside Fredericton—bringing not only skill but a fresh perspective and competitive fire.
“We’ve added top talent from across the country who will push our returning players and elevate our entire squad,” said Itoafa. “What makes this group even more special is their character—they’re hard-working, humble, and team-first. They fit the Tommies mold perfectly.”
These recruits strengthen an already tight-knit and focused returning core that smashed there fitness testing records, creating healthy internal competition and a deeper roster than the program has seen in years.
Delaney Hancock will join returning captains Ginny Phillips and Caitlyn Steeves to form a strong and steady leadership group. The leadership group also includes Ella Mercer, Lily Breneol, Brooklyn Saunders, Olivia Filmore, Izzy Sharpe—players who’ve embraced their roles in helping set the tone for the team culture.
Lindsey Smith and Erika Swinamer return as key contributors, looking to build on strong previous seasons and inject attacking flair into the lineup.
On the field the Tommies are committed to a high-tempo, disciplined playing style that balances creativity with structure.
“We’re not going to give too much away,” joked the coaching staff, “but we want to play fast-paced soccer that’s exciting to watch. We’ve built a strong tactical foundation and now it’s about raising the quality of execution.”
There’s no ambiguity in the team's ambition this year. The goal is simple—make the playoffs. The team is focused on the daily work it takes to get there. No shortcuts, no distractions. Just relentless effort, day by day.
“This is the strongest I’ve ever seen the Tommies coming into a preseason. We’re fit, we’ve had some great preseason games, and we’re excited for the season ahead. We feel ready to get things started this weekend.” — Avery Erb
Fans can expect another season full of community-driven events, including the much-anticipated 2nd Annual International Soccer Night, celebrating the global spirit of the game.
“Our fans mean everything. Their energy lifts us. Whether it’s showing up at home games, cheering us on away, or sharing our story online—it all makes a difference,” said Itoafa.
The Tommies will open their 2025-26 season this weekend, facing Crandall on Saturday, September 6th at Mathieu-Martin School.
By Martin Carvajal