Kennesaw State Hosts Memphis to Kick Off 2025 Season
After weather-related cancellations postponed their initial openers, Kennesaw State women’s soccer will officially launch its 2025 campaign this Thursday, August 21, against No. 24 Memphis at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium. The matchup kicks off at 7 p.m. ET and marks a significant home test for the Owls, who will then travel to Auburn for a Sunday matchup against another NCAA tournament team.
This season brings high hopes and a fresh look for the Owls, now playing on a newly dedicated pitch thanks to a $4 million donation from Dave and Donna Walens. The venue’s renaming to Walens Family Field was announced on August 19, further energizing the program and fans.
Key Matchups & Players to Watch
Kennesaw State vs. #24 Memphis
Thursday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m. | Walens Family Field, Kennesaw, GA
Kennesaw State at Auburn
Sunday, Aug. 24, 3 p.m. | Auburn Soccer Complex, Auburn, AL
Memphis Preview: The reigning American Conference regular season champs have opened 2025 with a 2-0-0 record, notching nine goals in two matches, including a 6-0 rout of Southern Miss. They’re powered by standouts like Finley Lavin (Defender of the Year) and Ai Kitagawa (Freshman of the Year), with Ellis Kelly emerging as a threat with two goals and an assist already this season.
Auburn Preview: The Tigers, under new head coach James Armstrong, have yet to find the net in their first two matches of 2025. However, they return offensive weapons like Olivia Woodson, a double-digit goal scorer, and carry NCAA tournament expectations.
2024 in Review & What’s New for 2025
2024 Recap: KSU’s first season in Conference USA finished with a 3-10-4 record, highlighted by a memorable 3-0 win over FIU, who went on to win the CUSA title. For their performances, Tianna Rivera and Charlee Bernal earned weekly conference honors.
Preseason Outlook: Kennesaw State was picked eighth in the 2025 CUSA Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Conference play begins Sept. 21 at Western Kentucky.
Who’s Back and Who’s New
Returning Starters:
- Charlee Bernal (Goalkeeper, first-ever CUSA Goalkeeper of the Week for KSU)
- Aly Bryan
- Naomi Moleka
- Alana Nesbit
- Anabel Orozco
- Delaney Edwards
- Mai Jensen (Senior midfielder returning from injury)
Newcomers:
- Rebecca Womer (Transfer from Georgia, SEC experience)
- Sydni Whitehead (Transfer from Bellarmine, ASUN All-Freshman 2023)
Freshmen:
- Courtney Allen, Julia Balchen, Aubrey Diskin, Anna Economopoulos, Sara Hill, Caroline Shaw
The Impact of Walens Family Field
The newly named Walens Family Field signals a bold step forward for KSU Athletics. The gift from the Walens family is one of the most significant in school history, designed to improve the student-athlete experience across soccer, football, and lacrosse programs. It comes at a pivotal time as KSU continues to expand its reach within Conference USA.
Your Turn: Will you be at Walens Family Field Thursday night to cheer on the Owls? Tag your game-day photos with #HootyHoo and follow @atlantasoccernews for full KSU season coverage!
