ST. JOSEPH, Minn. -- There's high energy around the College of Saint Benedict soccer team this fall — and the Bennies are ready to channel it into a fresh start in 2025.

The season kicks off with a challenging East Coast road trip, starting Friday against Virginia Wesleyan, followed by a showdown with preseason No. 3 Christopher Newport on Sunday. After that, the team returns to St. Joseph for its home opener on Saturday, Sept. 6, against Wartburg College at 3:30 p.m. MIAC play begins Wednesday, Sept. 17, when CSB hosts St. Scholastica at 3 p.m. [View full schedule here.]
 

The Bennies are focused on turning the page after a tough 2024 campaign, where they finished 5-8-3 overall and 2-7-2 in MIAC play. But history is on their side. Aside from last season, CSB has consistently ranked near the top of the conference — finishing third or better every season since 2021 and in the top five 31 times in program history. The Bennies have captured four MIAC titles and placed in the top three a remarkable 20 times.

Reloading, Not Rebuilding
Yes, the team lost key contributors — including two-time All-MIAC forward Alli Voss, who finished with 31 career goals (tied for sixth in program history) and 74 points (tied for eighth), and goalkeeper Annie Waters, who transitions to a coaching role this season. But head coach Steve Kimble is confident in the next wave.

"All respect to our legends who have moved on and left the program in our hands," said Kimble, who has 154 career wins, including 97 in league play. "I always worry about losing the legends, but in this program, we always just reload."

That "reload" includes a strong veteran core — four seniors, plus a mix of five juniors, four sophomores, and 12 newcomers — all coming together with one goal in mind: winning.

Senior Leadership Stepping Up
Senior defender Regan Melz, an Academic All-MIAC honoree who started all 17 games last year, says the team's leadership is working hard to build a strong foundation.

"Our biggest goal as seniors is to make everyone feel welcome, and feel a part of CSB immediately," said Melz.

Senior Addison Stephani, a two-time Academic All-MIAC selection with four goals and six assists in her career, emphasized the importance of unity: "Off the field, we're doing a lot of team bonding, a lot of growth, a lot of connections. Building that real life, family relationship that we have for the Bennie soccer family."

Fellow senior Grace Fitzgibbons, also a two-time Academic All-MIAC pick, echoed that sentiment: "I'm very excited. Honestly, this preseason was very fun. We got to meet some new faces and overall had very, very good energy."
  And after missing last season, senior Mary Blaska is eager to get back on the pitch: "We are super excited to press hard and see what we can do."

Key Returners & Offensive Firepower
Offensively, the Bennies will look to returning forwards Avery Soli and Summer Seamans to provide production. Soli recorded four goals and two assists last season, including a game-winner, while Seamans added two goals and three assists.

"It's a good vibe. It's hardworking. It's happy," added Kimble, who has led 10 CSB team to top four finishes in the MIAC. "We haven't played any games yet, so that's always telling when real life happens. But right now, I'm just really thrilled about the group we have."

Excellence On and Off the Field
The Bennies continue to shine in the classroom as well. For the 19th time in program history, CSB earned the United Soccer Coaches College Team Academic Award, with the team posting an impressive 3.68 GPA for the 2024–25 academic year. Thirteen players also earned spots on the Academic All-MIAC team.